Manchester United may now rival Arsenal for the transfer of Matthijs de Ligt as he is ‘not 100% satisfied’ with his situation at Bayern Munich under coach Thomas Tuchel.
The 24-year-old has long been one of Europe’s top young centre-backs but he is not finding a happy home in Bavaria. De Ligt joined Bayern Munich from Juventus during July 2022 after three years in Turin. But he moved to Germany while Julian Nagelsmann was still FCB’s boss.
De Ligt was a key part of Nagelsmann’s side and he started in 18 of a possible 23 Bundesliga games under the now-Germany coach. Yet Tuchel has only started the Dutchman in 13 of 19 available games. Just four of those starts have also come over 10 possible games this term.
Manchester United eye a transfer with Matthijs de Ligt ‘not 100% satisfied’ at Bayern Munich’
So, Florian Plettenberg now reports that De Ligt is ‘not 100% satisfied’ at Bayern Munich and might leave this summer. A move away from the Allianz Arena in the current January market is not on the table. But his long-term future is in question given Tuchel’s limited preference.
De Ligt is still very popular with the Bayern Munich squad and hierarchy due to his character and attitude. Yet he may consider a new chapter with Tuchel showing he is not a guaranteed starter if everyone is fit. Der FCB are also targeting a transfer for Ronald Araujo of Barcelona.
A move to Manchester United may also become plausible this summer if Erik ten Hag is still in charge. De Ligt is on the Red Devils’ radar and could be a leading target following his time with Ten Hag at Ajax. The coach also made the centre-back their captain at just 18 years old.
Arsenal have Matthijs de Ligt on Mikel Arteta’s defensive transfer shortlist
But Manchester United may have to rival Arsenal for De Ligt’s transfer with Mikel Arteta also an admirer of the Bayern Munich man. The Athletic has cited the 43-cap Netherlands star as one of the Gunners’ centre-half targets. But De Ligt is too expensive for Arsenal this January.
De Ligt cost Bayern Munich £65.5m to sign from Juventus and is under contract in Bavaria to June 2027. He signed a five-year deal to leave Turin and helped FCB win the Bundesliga title in his debut term. So, even given Tuchel’s stance, a move in January is very unrealistic.
A move to seal De Ligt’s transfer in January is also very unrealistic for Arsenal given their FFP status. While the Gunners avoided a breach of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules this Monday, the north London giants remain working against a strict limit this month.
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