Arsenal told signing wonderkid is ‘no-brainer’ but could run risk of losing their own prospect

Kevin Campbell has backed Arsenal to sign PSV youngster Xavi Simons this summer but thinks the club must consider selling one of their own youngsters.

Simons is one of the brightest prospects in Europe right now, having just won the Eredivisie Golden Boot with PSV.

The Dutch youngster originally came through Barcelona’s academy, before being snatched up by PSG in 2021.

His opportunities in France were limited though and he was soon shipped off to PSV where his true potential has been discovered.

With 19 goals and eight assists this season, its no wonder that sides like Arsenal are interested in the 20-year-old.

Campbell likes the idea of signing Simons, although he thinks that Folarin Balogun might need to make way if he does arrive.

“I like him,” Campbell told Egal Talks Football. “I thought he has been excellent for PSV. When I watched him against Arsenal. I thought he destroyed us.

“But he’s not that type of player that he’s not a striker, but he can operate in and around. He can operate as a forward. Sometimes you have got to be able to change it up.

“He will cost a lot of money. Who would you prefer? Balogun? Or Simons? You might need to sell Balogun to add extra funds and then get a Simons.

“PSV made a lot of money last year by selling players. If he’s costing £30-40 million, then I think it’s a no-brainer, you have to try and sign him – if this guy is available, then this is someone who you have to secure.”

Simons is under contract until 2027 however, PSG has a buy-back option to re-sign him for just €12m.

The French champions will surely consider this option this summer as they could then flip him for a quick profit.

The Dutch youngster would be particularly useful to a side like Arsenal because of how versatile he is.

Capable of playing as a wide man, forward or creative midfielder, he ticks plenty of boxes for Arteta.

Campbell does raise an interesting point about what this could mean for the future of Balogun though.

The Arsenal forward has been in fine form this season while on loan with Reims, scoring 22 goals.

AC Milan have been reported as interested and Arsenal must decide whether to keep him around or cash in on him while his value is high.

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