Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Arsenal has taken the lead over Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United in the race to sign a £65 million defender who is considered superior to Saliba.
Intermediaries have reportedly contacted several Premier League teams about Matthijs de Ligt’s potential availability.
According to TBR, de Ligt is available for a transfer from Bayern Munich this summer, with intermediaries reaching out to numerous Premier League clubs.
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United are in contact with those involved with the Dutch defender as he considers leaving Germany.
Matthijs de Ligt to leave Bayern Munich?
Last season under Thomas Tuchel, de Ligt was not the preferred starter for Bayern Munich. Although Tuchel has left, the situation might remain unchanged under new manager Vincent Kompany, who prefers ball-playing center-backs.
Intermediaries connected to de Ligt have approached several Premier League sides about a possible transfer for the £70 million-rated star. The defender is open to playing in England to avoid bench time at Bayern.
Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United are among the teams being contacted, as de Ligt might seek an exit from Bayern. These clubs, along with Chelsea, are in search of a new center-back, and the 24-year-old could be a valuable option.
De Ligt, valued at £70 million by Bayern Munich
Despite his downward trajectory at Bayern, de Ligt will not be sold cheaply. Bayern Munich understands the market and will likely demand around £70 million, especially if de Ligt excels with the Netherlands at the Euros.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is interested in reuniting with his former player as he seeks to strengthen his defense. Liverpool also wants a defender of de Ligt’s quality, though the price might be an issue.
Arsenal is looking for a young center-back to back up William Saliba, and Chelsea has chosen Tosin Adarabioyo as their preferred option. However, either London club might still pursue de Ligt if Bayern offers more favorable terms, such as a price reduction.