Arsenal’s defence has been struggling for several seasons now, and after conceding 51 goals in the Premier League alone this season, changes are a necessity.
Matthijs de Ligt is only 18 years old and is already turning heads all over the footballing world. Regarded as one of the hottest young players in Europe, the Dutch centre-back has made his way into the Ajax first team as a key player and into the national squad.
Respected Journalist Kike Marin who broke the Aubameyang to Arsenal story has claimed that the North London club are in for the youngster along with other top clubs.
Here is the tweet:
Y #Arsenal también… 👍 https://t.co/if6IodU24E
— Kike Marin** (@Kike_Marin_) May 9, 2018
According to TalkSport, Tottenham Hotspur have registered their interest and may be one of the first to make a bid for the player. With both Bayern Munich and Barcelona apparently showing interest, it may be a heated battle.
AFC Ajax have set the price of £53 million on the young talent which is arguably a show of his immense talent but also his importance at Ajax.
With Laurent Koscielny being ruled out for 6 months and Per Mertesacker retiring at the end of the season may mean it is the right time for a new young defender to come in and help the squad defensively.
The 20-year-old center back Konstantinos Mavrapanos has already proved a good signing however after his red card against Leicester it is obvious he needs some serious refinement before he is to be a key part of a Premier League defence.
De Ligt looks to be extremely promising and due to this many clubs are seeking to buy him in the summer, Arsenal will have to fight hard to scoop such a talent.
Given Arsenal will not be able to promise Champions League football to the young player it will be a very hard job for the incoming manager to secure his services. Especially with the likes of Bayern Munich, Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona all interested, it will not be easy to sign him.
For years Arsenal have been known for defensive problems and this young man may be the solution, the question lies in whether Arsenal can convince him they are the best option with such heavy competition against them.
