Arsenal transfer target Xavi Simons has responded to rumours linking him with a move away from PSV Eindhoven. The Dutch international is one of Europe's most exciting talents and has reportedly been offered to the Gunners ahead of the summer transfer window.
Simons enjoyed a superb first season in the Netherlands after signing for PSV on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. He scored 22 goals and assisted a further 12 in 48 games, helping them qualify for the Champions League next season.
His displays have resulted in his stock drastically spiking, with his change of representatives resulting in Arsenal being keen on the playmaker. football.london understands that the Gunners have an interest in the 20-year-old, though PSG's buy-back clause in his contract leaves little time to make a move.
PSV will likely demand a club record fee - which currently stands at £38.5m - should they decide to sanction a move for Simons. The Dutch giants have often been used as a conveyor belt of exquisite talent in recent years
Despite all the transfer talk, Simons has revealed he will make a decision over his future following this month's international break. The prodigy is currently with the Netherlands national team ahead of the Nations League semi-final clash with Croatia next week, with the winner taking on the winner of Spain or Italy four days later.
"I don't know yet," he said when asked about his future. "I'm now with the Dutch national team, I'm going to work here for two weeks and then we'll see what happens. Soon we will decide together with family what is best for me."
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Arsenal are prioritising a new midfielder this summer after their second-placed finish in the Premier League this season. football.london understands Declan Rice is Mikel Arteta's priority, but Granit Xhaka's imminent exit to Bayer Leverkusen will leave the Gunners short in the middle of the park.
However, as European football expert Andrew Thompson told football.london, Simons will be viewed as a move to strengthen the north Londoners' attack. “I think there are some misconceptions surrounding Xavi Simons by a fair few Arsenal fans,” Thompson explained. “On the surface, his versatility is certainly a desirable trait.
“Capable on either flank, in the ten-role, or as a central forward, the Dutch international presents a profile that is more than suitable for Mikel Arteta‘s desire to deploy players in a variety of ways if need be.
“Many fans have suggested Simons could be the answer in central midfield, but for me, this is misguided. His eye for goal and ability to drive play on the ball at pace is why he has been so successful at PSV, and those traits were on display against the Gunners this season.
“Rather than being a progressor of play in his distribution, he is incredibly effective and efficient when progressing play directly, and if anything, a move for Simons would offer excellent depth in the forward areas.”
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