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Arsenal set to target Martin Odegaard upgrade with Xavi Simons move

Cole Watkins Last updated: Apr 24, 2025, 4:48 pm
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Image: IMAGO / Sebastian Frej

Background: Why Arsenal Seek a Martin Odegaard Upgrade

Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard has orchestrated the Gunners’ play for four seasons, but this term his creative output has dipped. With Liverpool on course to snatch the Premier League title, technical director Andrea Berta has been given the green light to secure an Arsenal upgrade Martin Odegaard this summer. Reports from BILD suggest RB Leipzig’s 22-year-old prodigy Xavi Simons tops the shortlist.

Simons—A Fresh Creative Spark

 

Simons burst onto the scene in Germany with his dribbling, vision and late-run finishing. FourFourTwo ranks him among the world’s top ten attacking midfielders, and Arsenal upgrade Martin Odegaard plans could hinge on Simons’ potential to unlock stubborn defences.

“Xavi is on a farewell tour at Leipzig and could be available for a fee Arsenal deem reasonable—he fits our profile for a Martin Odegaard upgrade.” — FourFourTwo report

Key Competition and Timing

With a Champions League semi-final against PSG approaching, Arteta wants depth now. Simons isn’t the only name linked—Martin Zubimendi and Victor Gyökeres have also been mooted—but Arsenal upgrade Martin Odegaard discussions centre on adding someone who can blend instantly into Arteta’s high-tempo system.

Key Stats: Odegaard vs. Simons (2024–25, All Competitions)

Metric Odegaard Simons
Appearances 37 30
Goals 12 7
Assists 13 9
Key Passes per Game 2.4 1.8

What an Arsenal Upgrade Martin Odegaard Would Mean

  • Renewed creativity: Simons’ dribbling and penetration could lift the burden from Odegaard.
  • Squad depth: Champions League nights demand rotation—Simons offers versatility.
  • Long-term plan: At 22, he represents the future, whereas Odegaard turns 26 this season.

Next Steps & Internal Reads

Arsenal must agree terms with Leipzig—reported to want €50–60 million—and finalize Arteta’s squad plan. For more on how Arsenal keep climbing the Premier League table, see our Chelsea comeback analysis and our Vardy farewell feature.

What’s Next for Arsenal’s Midfield?

As Arsenal push on in the Premier League and prepare for their Champions League semi-final, Andrea Berta’s choice of a Martin Odegaard upgrade will define their summer. Will Xavi Simons be the creative spark they need, or should Arteta look elsewhere?

Do you think Xavi Simons is the ideal Arsenal upgrade Martin Odegaard needs, or should the Gunners look elsewhere? Let us know in the comments!

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