One player linked with a move to Arsenal in recent months has now been put up for sale by Bayern Munich in a ‘surprising’ turn of events.
Arsenal have a long-list of transfer targets this summer, and whilst fans watch Euro 2024 in the coming weeks, Edu will be working diligently behind the scenes.
Despite there being some pressing needs on Mikel Arteta’s shortlist, Arsenal are thought to be prioritising departures beforehand.
It seems as if Aaron Ramsdale has made his intention to leave fairly clear, an understandable decision given his lack of football.
And although there may not be the same desire to depart for the likes of Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah, they too could leave, should a suitable offer arrive.
Remarkably, Arsenal are also said to be open to selling Gabriel Jesus this summer, but again would need to find the right buyer.
Of course, when these situations are sorted, Arsenal will be active, and Arteta is thought to want to add a defender, a midfielder and a striker.
Vincent Kompany keen to sell Matthijs De Ligt after recent Arsenal interest
It’s perhaps understated that William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes don’t quite have adequate replacements in this current squad, especially if Arsenal sell Jakub Kiwior.
And that explains why Arsenal have recently shown interest in signing Bayern Munich’s Matthijs De Ligt.
Perhaps a move for the £66m-defender isn’t the club’s biggest priority right now, but that could change as a result of a recent update from journalist Florian Plettenberg.
Plettenberg took to X on Tuesday to share that Bayern are now open to selling De Ligt, given his high salary and the club’s need to raise funds.
The journalist said: “Matthijs de Ligt, a candidate for sale for FC Bayern this summer. It’s decided as revealed last week and now confirmed again!
“A surprising decision, but Bayern need revenue and the 24 y/o has a market. Additionally, they want to save on his high salary. Contract valid until 2027
“Jonathan Tah is supposed to replace him. Verbal agreement about a contract until 2029 is done as exclusively reported. Negotiations with Leverkusen will start soon. Levi Colwill, also on the list.”
Benjamin Sesko snub could be good news for Arsenal
Whilst a move for De Ligt may not be as exciting as one for Benjamin Sesko – who has now decided against a move to Arsenal, it could actually benefit the squad more.
Arsenal’s first eleven is strong enough, and with Gabriel Jesus currently playing back up to Kai Havertz up top, there’s not a desperate need to sign a striker.
Instead, Arsenal need better strength in depth in areas where the likes of Saliba played far too many minutes.
Saliba didn’t miss a Premier League minute in the 2023/24 season – an indicator that Arteta needs more options he can trust.
And with a player of De Ligt’s quality recruited, Arsenal’s squad would be in much better shape, ready to compete on all fronts.
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