Mikael Silvestre says it is ‘evident’ that Matthijs de Ligt is ‘not realising his potential’ but believes the Bayern Munich defender is still a worthy transfer target for Arsenal.
The 24-year-old was once one of Europe’s most promising young centre-backs after helping AFC Ajax into the Champions League semi-finals. But Silvestre feels De Ligt has not reached the next level since signing for Juventus in 2019 or later switching to Bayern Munich in 2022.
Now, though, De Ligt is emerging as a transfer target for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta bids to build their backline. And while Silvestre doubts the progress the Dutchman has achieved in recent seasons, he is still capable of pushing William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes to another level.
Arsenal are interested in De Ligt’s transfer from Bayern Munich
Reports by The Athletic have listed Bayern Munich ace De Ligt among Arsenal’s centre-half transfer targets. The Gunners also appreciate Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck. But a deal to sign either in January is unrealistic as both are under contract up until June 2027.
The Bundesliga giants would also likely price the Emirates Stadium natives out of a move for either player in January. Bayern Munich paid Juventus £65.5m to sign De Ligt in July 2022. While Schlotterbeck joined Borussia Dortmund from Freiburg in May 2022 in a £21.5m deal.
Schlotterbeck is a long-term defensive target for the north London giants, nonetheless. The Arsenal coaching staff is also a leading factor behind their interest in a transfer from Bayern Munich for De Ligt. He has so far helped win a top-flight title at Ajax, Juventus and Der FCB.
De Ligt can take Saliba and Gabriel to another level at Arsenal
De Ligt has only started three of his eight Bundesliga appearances so far this term and just six of 11 in all competitions. Der FCB boss Thomas Tuchel limited his involvement before the defender also sustained a knee injury. The issue has also plagued De Ligt twice this season.
Tuchel seldom trusting De Ligt for a starting spot in his side has convinced Silvestre that it is ‘evident’ the Arsenal transfer target is ‘not realising his potential’ at Bayern Munich. But he still has the ability to help Saliba and Gabriel reach another level if Arteta can strike a move.
Former Arsenal defender Silvestre told GG Recon. “He was unbelievable for Ajax when they reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2019. But since then, we haven’t seen a great improvement from Matthijs in terms of his development and that raises some questions.
“Can he go to the next level? Can he get to the same level as Virgil van Dijk? When you show so much maturity at a young age, like he did as the captain of Ajax, you expect these players to kick on. However, as he’s still only 24 years of age, it may be a case of wait-and-see.
“However, he could compete with William Saliba and Gabriel at Arsenal and improve them defensively. He would certainly provide good competition, that’s for sure.”
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