“I was expecting a little more” - Ian Wright admits Arsenal-linked midfielder has ‘disappointed’ him at Euro 2024
Former Arsenal forward Ian Wright has said that PSG midfielder Xavi Simons has been disappointing at the ongoing Euro 2024. The 21-year-old has helped the Netherlands to the semi-finals, though.
In five games, Simons - who spent the 2023-24 season on loan at RB Leipzig - has contributed three assists. While one came in the 3-2 group-stage defeat to Austria in the third game, the two others came in the 3-0 win over Romania in the Round of 16.
However, Wright isn't entirely convinced with Simons' performances at the ongoing European Championships in Germany, saying on Wrighty's House (via Just Arsenal):
"A player I was a little bit disappointed with from the Netherlands, Xavi Simons. I was expecting a little bit more in respects of him on the ball."
Set to return to his parent club at the end of the Euros, Simons doesn't seem to have a future at the Parc des Princes and is likely to be sent on another loan or sold off.
Following his impressive last campaign - 10 goals and 15 assists in 43 games across competitions - the Dutchman has attracted interest from clubs around the continent.
Football London has reported that Simons is the subject of interest of Manchester City, Manchester United and Bayern Munich, apart from the Gunners.
Which Arsenal players are still active at Euro 2024?
Arsenal have had 11 players at Euro 2024 representing nine different teams. Among them, only five are still alive in the competition as semi-final action begins on Tuesday (July 9).
The quintet are Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale for England, William Saliba for France and goalkeeper David Raya for Spain. The Three Lions take on the Netherlands in the second semi-final in Dortmund on Wednesday (July 10).
Meanwhile, France and three-time winners Spain lock horns a day earlier in Munich. While Les Bleus needed penalties (5-3) to see off Portugal after 120 goalless minutes, La Roja took out hosts Germany 2-1 in extra time.
Netherlands beat Turkey 2-1 in the fourth Euro 2024 quarter-final, while England beat Switzerland 5-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes, reaching successive Euro semi-finals for the first time.