Arsenal will do 'EVERYTHING THEY CAN' to sign Dutch wonderkid

Tom Weber

• Updated: 2 Jun 2023 15:04 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal have set their sights on Xavi Simons, according to Dutch media.

The PSV attacking midfielder has had an excellent season and seems ready for the next step in his development. Sources report to Voetbal International and Algemeen Dagblad that the Gunners want to do everything they can to attract the youngster.

With 19 goals, Simons became joint-top scorer of the Eredivisie this term, helping PSV reach the preliminary round of the Champions League. Precisely because of his great form, Simons' time in Eindhoven could likely be limited to one season only.

Before Simons returned to his native Netherlands last summer, Barcelona were considering re-signing their academy product, but a meeting between Simons' then-PSG teammate Lionel Messi and Blaugrana head coach Xavi is rumoured to have led to the latter ending their interest in the Dutchman, with Messi allegedly advising against moving for him.

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The 20-year-old Dutch international has a clause in his contract that allows him to return to Paris Saint-Germain for €12 million this summer, but the Parisians are not PSV's biggest problem at the moment.

Significant Arsenal interest

That is because Arsenal are vying for the former Barcelona man's signature. Mikel Arteta has proven in recent seasons that he can develop young talents, which will be attractive to Simons.

The biggest roadblock could prove to be PSV's asking price. Cody Gakpo cost Liverpool €42m last winter and the expectation is that Simons will be a fair bit more pricey, which would make him the most expensive PSV export ever.

The current uncertainty at PSV could factor into Simons' decision on his future. The 20-year-old was not happy with Ruud van Nistelrooy's departure as head coach last week.

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He expressed his displeasure on social media and voiced support for his former boss. Van Nistelrooy's exit may also have negative consequences for Simons' future at PSV.