Arsenal are reportedly eyeing Bayern Munich’s central defender Matthijs de Ligt.

With Arsenal’s current defensive problems, the club is looking to strengthen their back line, identifying de Ligt as a key target.

Bayern Munich's Dutch defender #04 Matthijs de Ligt celebrates after scoring the 3-0 goal during the German first division Bundesliga football match between 1. FC Bayern Munich and VfL Bochum in Munich, southern Germany, on September 23, 2023. (Photo by CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP via Getty Images)
Bayern Munich’s Dutch defender #04 Matthijs de Ligt celebrates after scoring the 3-0 goal during the German first division Bundesliga football match between 1. FC Bayern Munich and VfL Bochum in Munich, southern Germany, on September 23, 2023. (Photo by CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal are reportedly interested in Bayern Munich‘s central defender Matthijs de Ligt, according to The Athletic. The Gunners, managed by Mikel Arteta, apparently admire the 24-year-old Dutchman for his defensive prowess.

Currently, Arsenal are without defender Jurrien Timber, who is expected to return in 2024 after to a long-term injury.

Another key player, Takehiro Tomiyasu, is also sidelined and will also be participating in the Asian Championships from January 12th to February 10th. These absences have intensified Arsenal‘s search for defensive reinforcements.

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However, a move for de Ligt in the winter transfer window is ruled out. Arsenal see him as a “long-term transfer target” and are cautious due to financial fair play concerns after significant expenditure in the summer, amounting to approximately €235 million.

MUNICH, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 23: Matthijs de Ligt of FC Bayern München looks on during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and VfL Bochum 1848 at Allianz Arena on September 23, 2023 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY – SEPTEMBER 23: Matthijs de Ligt of FC Bayern München looks on during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and VfL Bochum 1848 at Allianz Arena on September 23, 2023 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Arteta recently commented on Arsenal’s financial situation: “We are really short of money. It’s a very, very sensitive market that changes quickly and is quite unpredictable. We will be prepared and try to make the right decisions. If there is something we can do to improve the squad, we will always be open to it because we want to be stronger.”

According to SPORT-BILD, Arsenal acknowledge that acquiring de Ligt from Bayern is challenging, given the record champions’ current squad situation.

Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel is seeking defensive reinforcements, especially with Minjae Kim participating in the Asian Championship and players like Noussair Mazroui and Bouna Sarr sidelined due to injuries.

Despite these challenges, Arsenal remain interested in de Ligt, who is currently the third-choice central defender at Bayern behind Dayot Upamecano and Minjae Kim, largely due to injuries he has suffered this season.

Last season, de Ligt was a key figure in Bayern‘s defence after transferring from Juventus Turin, particularly under former coach Julian Nagelsmann.

His physicality and aerial strength make him a suitable fit for the Premier League

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