Arsenal have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of PSV Eindhoven wonderkid Xavi Simons.
After moving on from Paris Saint-Germain in 2022, Netherlands international Simons has shone back in his home country with PSV. He scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists last season, superb form which has caught the eye of several major clubs around Europe - including his former team, PSG.
The French club can reportedly trigger a buy-back option in Simons' contract at PSV for just €6m (£5.1m) next month. According to reports, the clause is set to expire on July 31. But crucially, Simons has a say over his future.
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French outlet L'Equipe (via Get French Football News) claim Simons can join another club of his choosing as long as they match the €6m PSG need to pay - a huge bargain for a player of his quality. Simons is reported to be reluctant to return to PSG after making just 11 senior appearances for the club prior to his move to PSV.
Arsenal could secure 'cut-price' deal for Simons
It is claimed that Arsenal are among a group of clubs looking to capitalise on the situation, with the Gunners chasing a 'cut-price deal' for the Barcelona academy graduate. Arsenal were previously linked with Simons in the January transfer window and would be an attractive destination for the attacking midfielder, who is still only 20.
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Simons is currently on holiday in the Dominican Republic and isn't expected to return to PSV until mid-July. The Dutch club are desperate to keep hold of the attacking midfielder, who is under contract until 2027, and are offering to make him their captain if he decides to stay at the Philips Stadion.
Speaking earlier this month, Simons suggested he could be willing to remain at PSV despite the interest from elsewhere.
"Soon I'll decide together with family. To be honest, it's not in my head to leave... I have no obligations to anyone. I'm the one who has to make the choice," he said.
Topics: Xavi Simons, PSV, Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Transfers, Premier League, Eredivisie, Football