Arsenal have Xavi Simons transfer 'advantage' despite PSG release clause set to become active

Arsenal have an advantage in their attempts to sign PSV star Xavi Simons - despite his former club PSG holding a release clause that can be activated this summer.

The Dutch starlet has impressed throughout the 2022/23 season, with the 20-year-old scoring 19 goals and providing eight assists in the Eredivisie.

But it was his European performances that also caught the eye - including his two clashes against Arsenal and Mikel Arteta in the group stages of the Europa League. Now, according to Mundo Deportivo (via FourFourTwo), the Gunners, Tottenham and Manchester United are all competing for his signature.

Simons left PSG as a free agent last summer in search of more game time, and he certainly found that at the Philips Stadion.

A year on, his displays have meant that major European clubs are tracking him ahead of a summer move, although their plans could depend on what PSG choose to do.

According to Fabrizio Romano, in allowing the 20-year-old to leave Parc des Princes, the French giants inserted a release clause into Simons' PSV contract worth just €6 million. However, that clause only becomes active in July.

And Arsenal have another potentially key advantage that could help them secure the Dutchman's signature.

Arsenal 'advantage' in Xavi Simons transfer race

Simons is part of the DOUBLED Sports Agency, which represents players across England and Europe.

Among the agency's clients (as per Transfermarkt) are former Arsenal trio Cesc Fabregas, Alex Song and Gael Clichy, who are all still active players.

But the key line is that the agency is owned by Darren Dein - the son of former Arsenal co-owner and vice-chairman David Dein.

Dein senior was involved at the Gunners between 1982 and 2007, and presided over four top division titles won under George Graham and Arsene Wenger.

Dein was instrumental behind the appointment of Wenger as manager from Nagoya Grampus Eight in 1996, and still holds a close relationship with the French boss. He also played a key role in transfer negotiations.

He left the club in 2007 due to 'irreconcilable differences' with the club's board - a decision that did not go down well with players or staff at the time given his popularity.

But his previous influence at Arsenal, and with his son involved in representing several ex-Arsenal stars, could provide the Gunners with the perfect opportunity to negotiate a deal for Simons - provided they do it before July.