Arsenal lead Man Utd in battle for €34.5m wonderkid

Robin Bairner

• 22 Jun 2023 12:03 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal are in a favourable position to sign PSV wonderkid Xavi Simons – but only if the Netherlands international does not move to PSG first.

Fabrizio Romano revealed that PSG’s buyback clause for Simons is set at just €6 million – well below the 20-year-old’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €34.5m.

The former Barcelona youth has exploded this season, scoring 22 goals and creating another 12 for the Eindhoven side in 48 matches across all competitions while showing a capacity to play anywhere across the attack.

EXCLUSIVE: West Ham make Balogun a summer transfer priority

His form over the 12 months he has been with PSV since signing on a free transfer from PSG has been stellar and has attracted the attention of numerous big clubs across Europe.

Manchester United, Tottenham, Brighton and Borussia Dortmund are among a myriad of sides following the player, but beyond PSG, who must take advantage of the buyback clause in July, it is Arsenal who hold the advantage for the La Masia graduate.

De Telegraaf reports that Simons’ decision to appoint Darren Dein as his new agent gives Arsena a particular edge, with his representative the son of former Gunners director David Dein.

MORE: Arsenal face ‘WORST NIGHTMARE’ as Man Utd launch GENIUS Rice bid

PSV want Simons to sign new deal

PSV are working hard to tie Simons down to a new deal, which would eliminate the PSG clause in his contract and give the Eredivisie side more of a say in his future.

This promises to be a difficult challenge, though. With the PSG clause still intact, the power of these negotiations is firmly with the attacking midfielder, particularly given the extensive interest there is in him.

It has been reported previously that Simons is not keen on a return to PSG, which remains a club in a shambolic state, giving Arsenal a further edge that they may be able to capture the player.