Transfers
Arsenal Eye Bayern’s De Ligt Amid Defensive Woes
Speculation swirls around Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt potentially making a move to Arsenal, with the North London club grappling with defensive setbacks.
The Gunners have faced shortages in defence, exacerbated by injuries to Jurrien Timber and Takehiro Tomiyasu, leaving Mikel Arteta with a thinner backline.
The Athletic’s recent report highlights Arsenal’s interest in De Ligt, a lauded figure across Europe.
The Dutch talent, previously pivotal in Ajax’s remarkable 2018/19 UEFA Champions League campaign under now-Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, garners attention for his defensive prowess.
Arteta acknowledged the defensive constraints, particularly following Tomiyasu’s injury, evident in his tactical experimentation, notably deploying Declan Rice in a central defensive role against PSV Eindhoven.
Arteta’s remarks reflected the team’s urgency to address the defensive depth.
However, financial constraints might hinder Arsenal’s pursuit in the January transfer window, considering their extensive summer spending. Loan deals with purchase options could emerge as a viable alternative. De Ligt, who joined Bayern from Juventus 18 months ago for approximately £68 million, holds a considerable price tag, likely requiring a substantial fee if a move materializes.
Yet, despite Arsenal’s defensive shortcomings, the potential move for De Ligt might seem improbable, given the club’s existing talents like William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, both strong contenders in central defence.
This situation raises questions about the practicality of allocating significant funds for De Ligt, suggesting a more pressing need for reinforcements in the fullback positions.
The rumours persist, but the feasibility of securing De Ligt’s services for Arsenal remains uncertain, especially considering the club’s current defensive lineup and financial considerations. As the January window approaches, Arsenal’s strategic decisions will unveil their commitment to fortifying their defensive ranks or relying on internal solutions to navigate this challenging period.
