Ex-Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell says he would back his former club to sign PSV Eindhoven forward Xavi Simons this summer.

The Netherlands international has been linked with a move to the Emirates in the Dutch media over the past week and, after watching the player in action against the Gunners in the Europa League, Campbell believes he could be a great addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad:

“I like him. I thought he was excellent at PSV. And when I watched him against Arsenal, I thought he destroyed us, to be honest. But he’s that type of player, he’s not a striker, but he can operate as a forward. Sometimes you’ve got to be able to change it up. I think Arsenal having that type of squad will be good, it will cost a lot of money.”

Simons was in excellent form last season, racking up 22 goals and providing 12 assists in all competitions for PSV. As Campbell mentions, he isn’t an out-and-out striker, having played nearly as many games as a no.10 than as a forward.

His flexibility would, though, make him a very useful squad player, having also been deployed right across the front three by his manager Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Simons does have other suitors

It should be pointed out that Simons’s former club Paris Saint-Germain do have a buyback option on the Dutchman, although any return to France would need the approval of the player.

Both Manchester United and Manchester City have also been mentioned as potential suitors in recent days, although it is believed that Arsenal are the team most likely to formalise their interest.

It’s doubtful that he is a priority transfer target

While there is a case to be made that the Gunners need to add depth to the frontline, to prevent the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka suffering from burnout, the club’s focus for the summer transfer window appears to be elsewhere.

Recruiting up to two central midfielders and reinforcing the backline are thought to be the priorities for Arteta and sporting director Edu.