Arsenal's hope of signing PSV Eindhoven prodigy Xavi Simons depends on the player's preference. The Dutch international has been tipped to secure a mega-money move this summer after storming the Eredivisie last season.
The Gunners were linked with a move for the 20-year-old playmaker earlier in the summer following his impressive 2022/23 campaign. Simons enjoyed a superb debut season in the Netherlands after signing for PSV from PSG on a free transfer. He scored 22 goals and assisted a further 12 in 48 games, helping them qualify for the Champions League.
Unfortunately for Arsenal and PSV, PSG have an incredibly cheap buy-back clause in Simons. The French champions have the opportunity to swallow their pride and re-sign Simons for just €6million (£5million) this summer.
Mikel Arteta's men, however, face coughing up a club-record transfer fee for Simons - which stands at £38.5million. PSV have often been used as a conveyor belt of hot talent in recent years with Cody Gakpo and Noni Madueke joining Liverpool and Chelsea in the January transfer window.
PSG's cut-price deal for the wonderkid will expire at the end of July, leaving the French giants with little time to structure a move.
However, new PSV head coach Peter Bosz has provided an update on Simons' situation. "I spoke to Xavi Simons - it was a good, positive conversation," he said. "But at the end, he will decide by himself."
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Right now, the outcome of Simons' situation remains unclear. It's reported that 'many clubs' are keen on the attacker, though the advantage is currently with PSG. According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, PSG 'want to trigger' their buy back clause for Simons.
Last month, Simons himself hinted that a decision would be made on his future after he spoke with the new manager at PSV. "Clearly a lot has changed now," he said.
"I haven’t met or spoken to the new manager yet. I will speak to him and sit with PSV, then decide my future.
"I’m aware of PSG clause to bring me back. But, as far as I’m aware, they also don’t have a manager yet."
