Arsenal are keen on Matthijs de Ligt as Mikel Arteta remains intent on strengthening the backline in the upcoming windows.
According to Sport Bild, Arsenal have set their sights on Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt and could approach the 24-year-old defender. The Dutchman is currently third in the pecking order in Bavaria, as Mikel Arteta eyes him to strengthen his backline.
Arsenal looking for a new defender
Despite all the talk about signing a new midfielder or striker, Mikel Arteta wants to focus on strengthening the backline more than anything. In the past few weeks, the Gunners may have intensified their search for a new left-sided centre-back, as the manager senses some shortage in that department.
Ideally, Arteta would love having a player with versatile qualities, meaning he could prefer someone who can play centrally and out wide. However, looking at some recent links, there appears to be a pattern that points towards a centre-back rather than a full-back.
Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck remains a target, and Arsenal could consider approaching the Germany international in January. There is also talk about bringing in Ajax’s teenage star Jarrel Hato. But he is seen more as a market opportunity than a sureshot first-team signing.
Sporting CP’s Goncalo Inacio remains an essential target for Arsenal, although they face plenty of competition from some big rivals. The Portuguese international’s release clause also poses a problem. But the Gunners could work out a deal if they are serious.
Reports claimed that Arsenal had already made a loan-to-buy offer and could continue holding talks with Sporting CP to find a solution. Now, there are links to Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt, with Arteta reportedly keen on the 24-year-old Bundesliga defender.
Can Arsenal sign Matthijs de Ligt in January?
The January market always asks tricky questions; in Arsenal’s case, it will take a lot of work to find the right central defender. Their interest in Matthijs de Ligt may have some weight. But there are doubts whether Bayern would want to sell him midway through the season, and if yes, then how much would they demand.
De Ligt’s current market value stands at €65 million, but Bayern paid slightly more than that and will undoubtedly want to make a profit. He is the third-choice centre-back behind Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae. But that’s primarily due to his many injury issues this season.
Arsenal may eventually hold concrete interest in the 24-year-old Bundesliga defender. But the chances of them signing the Dutchman in January are slim to none. They might still ponder making an approach and offering a similar deal to Inacio, where a loan could get converted into a permanent transfer in the summer. But a summer move is likelier as things stand.
