Dean Jones has ruled out an Arsenal move for Matthijs de Ligt, insisting many factors do not favour the Gunners over a January transfer.
According to Dean Jones on Give Me Sport, Arsenal may not have the chance to sing Matthijs de Ligt in January. For one, the Bayern Munich defender, currently on a £265,000-a-week deal, will have a massive price tag. And secondly, Bayern Munich will not sanction a departure midway through the season.
What’s the Latest on Arsenal’s interest in Matthijs de Ligt?
Dean Jones has categorically ruled out an Arsenal move for Matthijs de Ligt in January, citing multiple factors. The journalist does believe the Dutchman, currently on a £265,000-a-week deal, would have been an astute addition and does not deny the possibility of a summer approach.
Arsenal have an interest in de Ligt, which emerged in the last few weeks as it became clear they will target a central defender in January. The idea of signing the Dutchman may have alerted some of their fans, and even dreaming of seeing the £265,000-a-week defender as part of their backline.
Yet, the chances of him leaving Bayern Munich in January are slim, considering he is considered an essential part of Thomas Tuchel’s plans. De Ligt might have played fewer minutes than expected, but that is mainly due to some fitness issues plaguing the defender since the season began.
Moreover, the Dutchman still has three years left on his deal at the Bundesliga club, with the wages also troubling for Arsenal. Hence, while the Gunners may bring someone to shore up the backline, their chances of signing the Dutchman are slim.
Who are the other options on Arsenal’s shortlist?
Arsenal are prioritising a centre-back at all costs in January. Yet there are doubts whether Arsenal can sign any of their priority targets considering the finances it would require to broker a deal. As Jones said, they might even consider a loan move if they cannot get suitable targets.
There are a few options to consider, but with Arteta being extremely particular about his choices, it is difficult to see Arsenal signing anyone on loan unless there is a long-term view to the deal. Goncalo Inacio could be that option, with the Gunners reportedly making a loan-to-buy offer, per some reports.
Arteta may have ideally wanted Matthijs de Ligt as his long-term defensive option to compete and rotate with his current first-choice stars. They might try for the Dutchman in the summer, but no deal appears viable this month.
