Arsenal have 'secret weapon' to sign Xavi Simons as Gunners plot move for PSV wonderkid

Arsenal may have a secret weapon that could help them sign Xavi Simons this summer.

After moving on from Paris Saint-Germain in 2022, Simons now looks to be fulfilling his potential back in his home country with PSV Eindhoven.

Simons scored 19 goals and provided nine assists in just 34 games this season, superb form which has caught the eye of clubs around Europe.

Reports in the Netherlands claim Arsenal are keeping tabs on the 20-year-old ahead of a potential summer bid.

Dutch outlet ED claim Simons has put himself in the 'spotlight' of 'many' Premier League clubs, including Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta's side were previously linked with Simons in the January transfer window and the Gunners may have an advantage over other English clubs when it comes to signing the forward.

Simons is currently represented by English agents Stuart Peters and Darren Dein, the latter the son of former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein.

Dutch pundit and former professional football Aad de Mos highlighted those close links to the Gunners last month.

"Maybe he's thinking about Arsenal," De Mos said.

"His new agents have many contacts at Arsenal. Arsene Wenger was also there."

What has Xavi Simons said about his future?

PSG reportedly have the option to buy Simons back from PSV for just €12m (£10.2m) this summer.

When asked about his future in April, Simons told De Telegraaf: "I have to finish the season well and then we'll see. Now come the games, in which you will have to prove it. My focus is completely on the last five league games and the cup final.

"You don't know what can happen in three or four weeks, but what I can say is that I am very grateful to be here and that I was able to prove myself at PSV.

"I still have five years contract here and in the summer I will have a conversation with [PSV director of football] Marcel [Brands], and the manager."

Simons added that he wants to play in the Champions League next season, with PSV set to enter qualification for the tournament at the third round after finishing second in the Dutch Eredivisie behind champions Feyenoord.

"It is also a big difference for the players whether or not you will play in the Champions League," added Simons.

"That is a priority for me. It is also very important for my development."

Topics: Football, Xavi Simons, Arsenal, Transfers, PSV, Premier League, Eredivisie

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan