How PSG ‘frustrated’ Arsenal over £7m target who Mikel Arteta still wants to sign

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Arsenal spent heavily in the summer transfer window, but were still keen on adding another player before they were thwarted by Paris Saint-Germain.

20-year-old wing sensation Xavi Simons was outstanding at Dutch side PSV Eindhoven last season, and even tore Arsenal apart in a Europa League group stage game.

Mikel Arteta was keen on signing the Dutch International last summer, with it clear that Arsenal’s squad needed more pace, and additional cover for Bukayo Saka.

However, PSG activated a £7m buyback clause on their former prodigy, before loaning him to RB Leipzig, where he is now thriving.

Arsenal “frustrated” by PSG signing of Xavi Simons

Speaking on BBC Transfer Gossip Daily, journalist Luke Edwards revealed that Arsenal were frustrated by the fact that PSG chose to activate the buyback clause on their transfer target.

“Simons is interesting. He had a brilliant season at PSV, he was brought from PSG, he was brilliant in Holland and had a breakout season,” he stated.

“Arsenal were looking at him but PSG had very cleverly inserted a buy back clause which was about £7 million.

“PSG brought him back which frustrated Arsenal a little bit then loaned him out to RB Leipzig. He’s doing really well out there.

“Arsenal’s interest has not gone away. We are talking about transfers which are far more likely to happen in the summer though.

“I don’t think PSG are going to cut his loan deal short, I don’t think they can. But this is Arsenal looking ahead to the summer.”

Arsenal’s interest in Xavi Simons

Arsenal are seemingly still keen on signing Simons if his loan deal at Leipzig is not extended.

He has scored seven goals and provided nine assists in 22 games across all competitions, and would add both creativity and speed to Arsenal’s attack.

Simons is capable of playing on both wings, but it remains to be seen what kind of fee would be necessary to land him.

Arsenal have also been linked with Pedro Neto and Michael Olise, whilst we also suggested that a move for Nico Williams would make a lot of sense.

Arteta looks certain to recruit in attacking positions this summer, and should a deal for Simons be possible, he may be eager to land a player whom he wanted to sign before the start of this season.

There is likely to be plenty of interest in the winger if he becomes available, but if Arsenal land him, he would be an outstanding long-term addition to the attack.