Arsenal is reportedly interested in securing a top-notch central defender during the January transfer window, with Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt being their preferred choice, as per information from the Spanish outlet Fichajes. Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, considers strengthening the defense a pressing need and aims to acquire the Dutch defender, de Ligt, from Bayern Munich.
Despite enduring consecutive defeats in recent weeks, Arsenal remains firmly engaged in the Premier League title race. The club aims to surpass last season’s performance and claim their first domestic title since the Invincible season of 2003/04.
Arsenal has been inclined to bolster their squad during the winter transfer window in recent years. Notably, Jakub Kiwior, Jorginho, and Leandro Trossard were all signed in the initial month of 2023. Consequently, Arteta has expressed his desire to acquire additional reinforcements next month, despite having limited financial resources at his disposal.
The North London side currently faces a shortage in defensive options due to injuries to Jurrien Timber, Thomas Partey, and Takehiro Tomiyasu, which has left Arteta’s defensive line relatively depleted. Even if Tomiyasu and Partey recover swiftly, they could miss further action due to international duties in the Asian Cup and Africa Cup of Nations in early 2024.
Therefore, adding a defender is considered Arsenal’s primary objective for the upcoming month, with de Ligt from Bayern Munich being Arteta’s preferred target. The Dutch international gained significant acclaim across Europe following his influential role in Ajax’s impressive run to the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League semi-final under current Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.
Despite his potential, the 24-year-old has faced limited playing time at Bayern Munich this season, featuring in only eleven games across all competitions under coach Thomas Tuchel. De Ligt is midway through his five-year contract with Bayern Munich, signed for £60 million, which might complicate a January transfer deal.
De Ligt is eager to secure more playing time ahead of the Netherlands’ participation in Euro 2024 in Germany this summer to solidify his place in the starting lineup.
A potential loan arrangement with a purchase option in the summer could be beneficial for both de Ligt and Arsenal. However, Tuchel may not be inclined to sell one of his key squad members in the winter transfer window, preferring to retain him until the season’s end to maintain the squad’s quality depth across competitions.
