Arsenal are reportedly aiming to strengthen their defence during the January transfer window. Mikel Arteta previously told the club about the necessity for extra defensive line options. According to many media sources, Arsenal is interested in Bayern Munich center-back Matthijs de Ligt. The Dutch international is presently regarded as one of Europe’s best defenders. He rose to popularity after helping Ajax reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals under now-Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag in the 2018-19 season.
Despite de Ligt’s struggles with getting the necessary playing time for Bayern Munich, manager Thomas Tuchel would not be eager to let him go given his skills and talents. Because of that, Arsenal may consider signing de Ligt to a loan agreement with an option to purchase him in the summer.
Due to the injuries of some first-team defenders, especially Oleksandr Zinchenko, Thomas Partey, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber, Arsenal has recently struggled to play with a constant backline. Due to their absence, Arteta shifted players’ positions to cover the spaces in the starting eleven.
The Gunners manager resolved the right-back position problem by putting Ben White. But he has yet to find a centre of defence option. Tomiyasu and Partey are reportedly recovering quickly. However, due to international commitments with Japan and Ghana, Arsenal may be without the two for a few more weeks.