Fabrizio Romano reveals what he’s been ‘told’ about De Ligt to Arsenal rumours

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Arsenal have been linked with several defenders across Europe in multiple positions, and one ambitious target is Bayern Munich’s Matthijs De Ligt.

The former Ajax prodigy was recently linked with a move to the Emirates, as he is reportedly unsatisfied at Bayern Munich.

The centre-back was regarded as perhaps the best defensive prospect in Europe when he captained Ajax to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019, before he joined Juventus and eventually moved onto Bayern.

However, despite rumours linking him with both Arsenal and Manchester United, Fabrizio Romano has now claimed that the 24-year-old will not be going anywhere in the January transfer window.

Fabrizio Romano shares Arsenal update on De Ligt

In his Daily Briefing, Romano claimed that despite Arsenal shortlisting De Ligt as a potential target, the Dutchman is not expected to move anywhere in this window.

“Matthijs de Ligt was recently mentioned as a name on Arsenal’s list, and of course he’s a top player, but I’m told nothing will happen in January. He’s currently injured, though the injury is not serious and he should be back in 7-10 days, so it’s nothing to do with that,” he claimed.

“Still, there’s nothing happening for now. In the summer, everything can change and many English clubs are keeping close eye to the situation so let’s see what happens there but I don’t have concrete updates on Arsenal or any other club as it’s not something to be decided now.”

Should Arsenal move for Matthijs De Ligt in the summer?

Although Arsenal are short of depth in the back line, full-backs arguably need to be prioritised over central defenders.

William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are consistently two of Arsenal’s best players, and breaking up that partnership will be an unnecessary endeavour.

Jakub Kiwior and Ben White can provide cover in the centre if there is adequate cover in wide positions, and Declan Rice has even been trialled as an emergency central defender should it be necessary.

De Ligt’s poor injury record, and potentially large transfer fee and wage demands perhaps means Arsenal are better off trying to sign cover at right-back which would allow White to move into the centre, and they will hope that Jurrien Timber will feature heavily next season anyway.

Arsenal have also been linked with Ousmane Diomande of Sporting CP, and if they are to sign a centre-back, they may be better off with the Ivorian powerhouse.