Arsenal transfers: Mikel Arteta looking to hijack PSG move for outstanding PSV midfield talent

Arsenal are reportedly ready to steal a march on Paris Saint-Germain and hijack their move for midfield prospect Xavi Simons.

Mikel Arteta is still looking to bolster his squad, particularly with younger talent, as the Gunners prepare to fight on multiple fronts next season after their return to the Champions League.

And it appears that the Netherlands international is very much on his radar after an impressive season last time around.

Arsenal are already been proactive in the summer window as they close in on Chelsea forward Kai Havertz and Manchester United defensive target Jurrien Timber from Ajax.

They are also hopeful of landing one of Declan Rice or Moises Caicedo, although Manchester City and Chelsea may still have a major say in those signings.

Simons is more of an attacking midfielder than Rice or Caicedo, however, and is known to have caught the eye of a number of clubs due to his form last term.

The playmaker only joined PSV last summer when PSG chose to let him move on, although they did insert a bargain £5.1million buy-back clause into the contract that becomes active this summer.

However, the report in the Get French Football News claims that Arsenal only need to match that fee to land Simons themselves, despite the fact that his current market value is £34million (as per transfermarkt).

Arsenal pushing for Netherlands star

The report adds that Simons is only keen to leave PSV this summer if he is ‘guaranteed game time’, and that Arsenal are now pushing vigorously to hijack the transfer.

PSV are, however, doing everything they can to keep Simons on board and have informed his entourage that they are willing to make Simons their club captain if he remains at the Phillips Stadion.

There also has to be some doubt as to whether Arteta can actually give Simons a regular starting role, given his current options in the No.10 role.

The 20-year-old is versatile though and can also operate on either wing, which could make him a valuable asset at The Emirates.

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