Arsenal eye mega-money deal for Bayern star

Tom Weber

• Updated: 28 Dec 2023 11:24 GMT
• 3 min read

Arsenal are interested in Bayern defender Matthijs de Ligt, according to a report.

Though once again fighting for the Premier League title this season, the Gunners are mindful that they can't rest on their laurels. Indeed, the club is aware that reinforcements should be brought in in January, according to The Athletic. However, given the volatile nature of the January market, it is unlikely that Arsenal will splash the cash on defensive signings in the upcoming window.

Nevertheless, there are some high-profile names on Mikel Arteta's shortlist, claims the report. Though almost exclusively signings for the summer, they make for exciting reading for Gooners. It is asserted that three Bundesliga aces are being targeted: Nico Schlotterbeck, Jeremie Frimpong and Matthijs de Ligt.

FootballTransfers already exclusively reported on the Gunners' admiration of Frimpong, who Arteta is keen to make his long-term right-back. Additionally, the Gunners are also interested in Ajax wonderkid Jorrel Hato, however, it is the link with former Ajax man De Ligt that is particularly eye-catching.

De Ligt to leave Bayern?

On the face of it, it seems unlikely that De Ligt could be on the move in 2024. After all, he only joined Bayern in the summer of 2022 for a whopping €67 million. At age 24, the defender has already fetched north of €150m in transfer fees throughout his career.

Despite still being something of a fresh face at Bayern, the erstwhile wonderkid has not always had an easy time of it at the Allianz Arena. Especially since the arrival of Thomas Tuchel, De Ligt has found regular game time hard to come by.

This has given rise to speculation about his future in recent months. Tuchel played down suggestions that he could be on the move but the fact that he isn't playing (when fit) and that Bayern are seeking big-money defensive reinforcements is lending credence to suggestions that the Dutchman could depart.

A move will only be viable in the summer, however, and he certainly won't come cheap. De Ligt currently boasts an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €58.5m and Bayern will surely attempt to recoup as much as possible from their original outlay.