09 June 2023 , 12:48
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Xavi Simons has cleared up confusion over his contract clause at PSV as Arsenal continue to pursue the highly rated Dutch star.
The attacking midfielder, 20, came through the ranks at Barcelona before joining French giants PSG, and broke into the first team during the 2021/22 campaign. But despite making enough appearances to pick up a Ligue 1 title winners medal, his failure to hold down a regular place saw him leave for Holland last summer.
And he duly excelled in the Eredivisie, making 48 appearances in all competitions, scoring 22 goals and notching 12 assists. His form has prompted reports that he's attracted the interest of a number of top level clubs, with Arsenal seemingly leading the race as Mikel Arteta seeks reinforcements to this squad.
Simons is expected to command a fee north of £40million, unless that is, he returns to PSG. Despite letting him to go, the Parisian club seemingly have the option of bringing him back for a paltry sum by comparison, around £10.2m.
The star is currently on international duty ahead of the Nations League semi-final with Croatia next week, but has previously explained the apparent clause, insisting a move back is not imminent: "It is a clause between me and PSV. Not between me and Paris Saint-Germain," he told reporters.
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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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Xavi Simons has been linked with a move to Arsenal (OLAF KRAAK/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)And asked this week about his future, Simons was non-committal: "I don’t know yet," he replied. "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."
The prospect could potentially be ideal for Arsenal, with Granit Xhaka set to depart this summer. But what funds Arteta has available for a move could well depend on whether he manages to land Declan Rice, who West Ham value at more than £90m.
But the Spanish boss has been able to watch the player close up in this campaign, after Arsenal faced PSV in the Europa League in October. Simons actually caught the eye with a superb solo goal against the Gunners in October, only for the strike to be ruled out by VAR.