Arsenal have been keeping tabs on Xavi Simons at PSV (DeFodi Images via Getty)
Arsenal are leading the race to sign PSV midfielder Xavi Simons, according to reports in the Netherlands.
The 20-year-old has been one of PSV’s standout performers this season with 21 goals and 12 assists in 47 appearances.
According to Voetbal International, several clubs have kept tabs on Simons’ debut campaign in the Eredivisie but claim that Arsenal have the midfielder on their shortlist and are ‘the most concrete in the market’.
Meanwhile, Eindhovens Dagblad also reports that Arsenal are among the clubs who are interested in signing Simons, however, PSV would demand a club-record fee this summer.
PSV’s current record is the initial £37 million Liverpool paid to sign Cody Gakpo in the January transfer window, a deal which could potentially rise to £44 million with add-ons.
Xavi Simons scored 21 goals in his debut season for PSV (Shutterstock)
Simons joined PSV last summer from Paris Saint-Germain and he has a clause in his contract which would allow him to return to the French club this summer for €12 million (£10.2m).
However, Simons has indicated that he would not consider a return to PSG at this stage.
‘It is a clause between me and PSV. Not between me and Paris Saint-Germain,’ Simons said earlier this season.
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‘It’s a clause that, if I wanted to go to PSG, I could leave for a certain amount at the end of the season.
‘To be honest, it’s not in my head to leave. I’m settled here, I feel good here. You can also see that on the field I think.
‘I came here on a free transfer, so I have no obligations to anyone. I’m the one who has to make the choice.’
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