Arsenal were annoyed with what PSG did to £7m playmaker but they still want to sign him

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These days it’s not too often that Arsenal are left frustrated in the transfer market, Mikel Arteta’s project now has quite a pull.

The summer capture of Declan Rice really did feel like a turning point, the first time Arsenal were able to steal a player away from Manchester City in the last decade.

However, there will still be times when Arteta’s side won’t be able to get their target, much like they’re experiencing in January right now.

And whilst FFP restrictions are proving to be the enemy of any signings this month, there was a different issue facing Arsenal last summer.

Xavi Simons is clearly a player with huge potential, a playmaker who previously excelled against Arsenal in the Europa League whilst at PSV Eindhoven.

And as a result of that performance, Arsenal did hold a lot of interest in the 20-year-old, hoping to complete a transfer from PSV, only to be left frustrated.

Paris Saint Germain had inserted a buy-back-clause into Simon’s contract at the club, and exercised their right when Arsenal showed interest.

Journalist Luke Edwards has been explaining this situation on the BBC’s ‘Transfer Gossip Daily’, and explained that Arsenal haven’t given up yet. 

Arsenal left frustrated by Xavi Simons transfer but still hold considerable interest

Speaking on the podcast, Edwards explained where Arsenal’s interest now stands.

He said: “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. 

“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.”

Of course, Arsenal will have considerable spending power once against in the coming summer.

So whilst a transfer was frustrated in the past, Arsenal may have more luck in the coming months.

It’s certainly going to be interesting to see where the club prioritises their spending.

Many feel as if a transfer for Ivan Toney is a given, with Arsenal also needing a Thomas Partey replacement.

That being said, Arsenal are said to be setting aside money for another big target.