Transfer Talk: Simons could be Arsenal's next Dutch master

Xavi Simons is a wanted man and Premier League runners-up Arsenal are one of the clubs on his trail. 

The midfielder scored 22 goals for PSV Eindhoven last season in a stunning debut campaign. 

After spells with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, the Dutch international came home to the Eredvisie last summer — but his time back in the Netherlands looks likely to be short-lived. 

Ahead of the summer transfer window opening, we take a look at the mounting interest in Simons and how he might fit in with the Gunners.

Versatile talent

Simons was sensationally productive last season, assisting 12 goals alongside the 22 that he scored himself. 

The 20-year-old is a versatile talent, playing as an attacking midfielder on both flanks and even as a striker for PSV last season. 

It is little wonder that he is now being monitored by some of the world's biggest clubs — though he has already played for a couple of them. 

Simons came through Barcelona's La Masia youth setup, but having failed to agree a new contract in 2019, he moved on to PSG. 

Opportunities were predictably scarce in the French capital and after 11 appearances, the Amsterdam-born youngster returned to his native Netherlands. 

PSG were smart enough to include a buyback clause for a reported £10million, but they would seemingly face a struggle to persuade the player to return. 

English agents

Having had a taste of regular first-team action at PSV and excelled, it is unlikely that Simons would want to step back into a bit-part role. 

Though PSG have the option of buying him, it would be up to the player to decide on whether he returns. The next manager of the French champions would have to make a persuasive argument.

If Simons were to snub his former side, that would open up the possibility of a move to England, where Arsenal are one of many admirers alongside Manchester United and Newcastle. 

PSV will want to keep a player with four years of his contract left to run and could potentially offer Champions League football, having booked a place in the qualifying stages. 

Yet the fact that Simons is represented by the English agents Stuart Peters and Darren Dein — son of the former Gunners vice-chairman David Dein — does not bode well for the KNVB Cup winners. 

If PSV were to sell, they would surely want a larger fee than the club record that was set last season when Cody Gakpo joined Liverpool for a fee that could rise to £44million. 

Arsenal fit

With Simons seemingly available for a move but needing some guarantees of regular football in order to continue his development, he needs to choose his next club carefully. 

The Emirates would seem a perfect choice and according to reports from the Netherlands, it is his likeliest destination. 

Due to his versatility, it is easy to see him getting plenty of game time at the Gunners. He can play across the front three for a start. 

Long-term, the 5ft 6in starlet could establish himself as a central midfield option in Mikel Arteta's 4-3-3. 

With his low centre of gravity and technical ability, Simons is surprisingly strong and difficult to knock off the ball. 

Defensively, he is a hard worker. Though he has often played further forward for PSV this season, he has impressed with his relentless pressing. 

Arsenal could be the right club for Simons and he would also be a smart choice for them. A young, versatile footballer with the talent to both deliver now and in the future.