EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd in pole position for De Ligt as Arsenal join race

Steve Kay

• Updated: 12 Feb 2024 21:56 GMT
• 3 min read

Exclusive

Arsenal are interested in signing Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt, but Manchester United are currently in pole position to land the Dutchman, FootballTransfers has been told.

The 24-year-old moved to Bayern in 2022, however an exit is now deemed a likely possibility after falling down the pecking order at the Allianz Arena.

Thomas Tuchel has preferred a centre-back pairing of Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae so far this season, while Eric Dier came into the starting XI for the 3-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday, with De Ligt an unused substitute.

The former Ajax captain is now unsettled in Munich and De Ligt is not 100% happy with his current role at Bayern, as reported by Sky Germany.

Sources have told us that Man Utd’s interest in De Ligt is genuine, and the Red Devils have spoken to the Dutchman’s representatives on more than one occasion. Furthermore, Erik ten Hag's side currently lead the race to sign him, FootballTransfers understands.

As for Arsenal, De Ligt has been discussed internally, but the Gunners have not initiated contact with either the player or Bayern Munich.

Man Utd to sign Matthijs de Ligt?

Man Utd are currently in pole position to sign De Ligt, who is likely to leave Bayern in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Ten Hag worked with the Netherlands international during his time at Ajax and would like to bring him to Old Trafford this summer, with Man Utd desperate to sign a new centre-back in 2024.

Lisandro Martinez’s recent injury has highlighted the need for another acquisition in that position, while Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and OGC Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo have both been linked as De Ligt alternatives.

Man Utd attempted to sign De Ligt in 2019, but he opted to join Juventus for €85.5 million instead. The Red Devils have been monitoring the Bayern star ever since and are now ready to sign him this summer.