Despite PSG’s release clause becoming activated, Arsenal has a transfer ‘advantage’ with Xavi Simons.
Arsenal have an advantage in their pursuit of PSV star Xavi Simons, even though his former club PSG has a release clause that can be activated this summer.
The 20-year-old Dutch sensation has impressed during the 2022/23 season, scoring 19 goals and contributing eight assists in the Eredivisie.
But it was his European efforts that drew the most attention, notably his two Europa League group stage matches against Arsenal and Mikel Arteta. According to Mundo Deportivo (via FourFourTwo), Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester United are all vying for his signature.
Simons signed as a free agent with PSG last summer in pursuit of greater playing time, which he received at the Philips Stadion.
A year later, his performances have led to prominent European clubs watching him ahead of a summer move, albeit their intentions may be contingent on what PSG does.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the French giants added a €6 million release clause into Simons’ PSV contract to allow the 20-year-old to leave Parc des Princes. However, that clause does not go into effect until July.
Arsenal also has a potentially significant advantage that might help them clinch the Dutchman’s signature.
Arsenal has a ‘advantage’ in the race to sign Xavi Simons.
Simons is a member of the DOUBLED Sports Agency, which represents athletes throughout England and Europe.
Former Arsenal trio Cesc Fabregas, Alex Song, and Gael Clichy are among the agency’s clients (according to Transfermarkt).
The essential point is that Darren Dein, the son of former Arsenal co-owner and vice-chairman David Dein, owns the agency.
Dein senior worked at Arsenal from 1982 to 2007, winning four Premier League titles under George Graham and Arsene Wenger.
Dein was a driving force behind the appointment of Wenger as manager of Nagoya Grampus Eight in 1996, and he remains close to the Frenchman. He was also instrumental in the transfer discussions.
He departed the club in 2007 due to ‘irreconcilable disputes’ with the club’s board, a decision that did not sit well with players or staff considering his popularity at the time.
However, his prior influence at Arsenal, as well as his son’s involvement in representing several ex-Arsenal players, might offer the Gunners with the ideal opportunity to negotiate a deal for Simons if done before July.
