Arsenal are interested in a cut-price deal for Xavi Simons, but they may be willing to wait another year to sign the PSV 20-year-old.

Arsenal transfers - SEVILLE, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 16: Xavi Simons of PSV Eindhoven looks dejected following the team's defeat during the UEFA Europa League knockout round play-off leg one match between Sevilla FC and PSV Eindhoven at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on February 16, 2023 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
SEVILLE, SPAIN: Xavi Simons of PSV Eindhoven looks dejected following the team’s defeat during the UEFA Europa League knockout round play-off leg one match between Sevilla FC and PSV Eindhoven at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on February 16, 2023. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Earlier this week, French outlet L’Equipe reported that whilst Paris Saint-Germain are looking to activate a €6m buy-back clause in Xavi Simons’ contract, the player is not keen to return to the French capital.

That’s given a boost to other clubs in the race, including Arsenal, who would reportedly only need to match the €6m clause to complete the signing.

The player has a contract until 2027, but such an affordable clause makes a summer move pretty likely.

PSV's Dutch midfielder Xavi Simons of PSV Eindhoven celebrates after winning the KNVB Cup final between PSV Eindhoven and Ajax Amsterdam at the Stadium de Kuip in Rotterdam on April 30, 2023. (Photo by ROBIN VAN LONKHUIJSEN/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)
PSV’s Dutch midfielder Xavi Simons of PSV Eindhoven celebrates after winning the KNVB Cup final between PSV Eindhoven and Ajax Amsterdam at the Stadium de Kuip in Rotterdam on April 30, 2023. (Photo by ROBIN VAN LONKHUIJSEN/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)

On the other hand, L’Equipe claim Simons’ new club would need to offer him regular starts, and PSV are offering to name him their new captain if he stays.

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Speaking on the official De Telegraaf podcast (via Karthikadhaigal), PSV-focused journalist Jeroen Kapteijns claims that even if Simons doesn’t join Arsenal right now, he’s likely to in the future.

Arsenal may be okay with Simons staying in the Netherlands for another year, with the suggestion that the appointment of David Dein’s son Darren as his agent might help matters.

PSV's Dutch midfielder Xavi Simons of PSV Eindhoven (C) celebrates with teammates after winning the KNVB Cup final between PSV Eindhoven and Ajax Amsterdam at the Stadium de Kuip in Rotterdam on April 30, 2023. (Photo by ROBIN VAN LONKHUIJSEN/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)
PSV’s Dutch midfielder Xavi Simons of PSV Eindhoven (C) celebrates with teammates after winning the KNVB Cup final between PSV Eindhoven and Ajax Amsterdam at the Stadium de Kuip in Rotterdam on April 30, 2023. (Photo by ROBIN VAN LONKHUIJSEN/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)

Speaking earlier this month, Simons admitted Ruud van Nistelrooy’s decision to resign as PSV manager could affect his plans for the future.

“Clearly a lot has changed now,” Simons 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.”

PSV reporter Rik Elfrink reported that Arsenal are one of a number of Premier League clubs following Simons, and they could make a move for him this summer.

20-year-old Simons made 48 appearances for PSV in 2022/23, scoring 22 goals and assisting a further 12.

Though none of those goal contributions came in his two Europa League matches against Arsenal, he nonetheless caught the eye, particularly in PSV’s 2-0 home win.

Simons is also a Dutch international, playing five times for the Netherlands over the last few breaks, including his debut at the World Cup.

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