Bayern Munich centre-back Matthijs de Ligt has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for Arsenal.
The 24-year-old joined Bayern from Juventus in July 2022, and he has made 54 appearances for the Munich outfit in all competitions, scoring four goals and registering one assist in the process.
De Ligt has more than three years left to run on his contract at Allianz Arena, but there is currently speculation surrounding his future with Bayern.
The Netherlands international has been restricted to just 11 appearances for Thomas Tuchel's side this season, although he has been unavailable for selection for two separate spells due to injury problems.
According to The Athletic, Arsenal are keeping a close eye on De Ligt's situation at Allianz Arena with a view to making a move for him next year.
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The report claims that a January transfer is seen as impossible, but Mikel Arteta's side are confident that an agreement could be reached during next summer's market.
De Ligt came through the youth system at Ajax, eventually progressing to the first team, and he made 117 appearances for the Dutch giants before moving on.
There was a scramble for his signature in the summer of 2019, with Manchester United believed to have been interested in acquiring him, but Juventus won the race.
De Ligt featured on 117 occasions for the Old Lady before departing in the summer of 2022, and he played 43 times for the German champions during the 2022-23 campaign.
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Arsenal have the joint-best defensive record in the Premier League this season alongside Liverpool, only conceding 16 times in the competition.
William Saliba and Gabriel are Arsenal's first-choice central defenders, and the pair have been vital to the team's success during the 2023-24 campaign.
Arsenal are also in the market for another central midfielder to play alongside Declan Rice, but it remains to be seen how much money there is to spend next year.
The Gunners will be bidding to return to the top of the Premier League table when they host West Ham United on Thursday evening, before finishing their year away to Fulham on New Year's Eve.
Matt Law
