Arsenal will be offered the chance to sign PSV Eindhoven wondered Xavi Simons this summer.
Simons is weighing up a move after clocking up 16 goals and nine assists in the Eredivisie this season. The 20-year-old can play as a midfielder or a wide forward and already has three caps for Holland.
Simons joined PSV on a free transfer from Paris St-Germain last summer but has shot to the top of watchlists across the continent since. And he recently switched agents to sign up with Doubled, who have extensive links with Arsenal.
PSG inserted a clause in the player’s contract allowing them to buy him back for around £10m, but have so far not made an approach. It is also unclear whether Simons would wish to return to Paris, having turned down a new contract there in order to move to Holland.
That has opened the door to a possible move to the Emirates, where Mikel Arteta is on the lookout for emerging young talent. Simons is a product of the famous Barcelona Academy and broke into the PSG first team at just 17.
He has been on the radar of many top clubs since a video of him performing tricks as a nine-year-old went viral, sparking his move to Spain.
By Paul Brown
Cruyff's Barcelona exit puts clubs on red alert
Premier League clubs are certain to be on red alert after it was announced Jordi Cruyff will leave Barcelona when his contract expires at the end of June.
Former Manchester United star Cruyff has done a remarkable job at the Nou Camp, helping the Spanish giants overcome their financial issues to remain competitive as they clinched the La Liga title this weekend.
Cruyff’s departure comes a fortnight after director of football Mateu Alemany also announced he is leaving as he is set to take a similar job at Aston Villa.
Former Portugal star Deco is expected to take over from Cruyff this summer. But Cruyff’s work at Barcelona plus his links and knowledge of English football is bound to make him a hot property.
He departs on good terms with his mind always set on a new challenge. Barcelona said in a statement: “Cruyff will not be renewing his contract as sporting director at the end of the current season due to his wish to embark on new professional endeavours.
“He announced his decision this Tuesday to president Joan Laporta at an emotional meeting in which he explained that after two years in his position, he is leaving to face new challenges.”
By John Cross
Brighton close in on Dortmund's Dahoud
Brighton are closing in on another shrewd summer signing as they are set to complete a deal for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud.
Germany International Dahoud, 27, is a free agent this summer and Brighton have moved quickly to bolster their squad as they are also favourites to sign Liverpool veteran James Milner.
Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, who has already clinched a deal to sign Joao Pedro from Watford, admitted last weekend that they are bracing themselves for more interest in Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister this summer.
Caicedo is in demand while Liverpool are the favourites to sign Argentina World Cup winner Mac Allister.
By John Cross
