£66m player now suggests he has no desire to join Arsenal this summer

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Arsenal are seemingly on the lookout for a new central defender this summer as Mikel Arteta and Edu aim to add depth in that position.

The Gunners only have Takehiro Tomiyasu to provide backup for the likes of Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba, although the Japan international is more often used on the right like Ben White.

There is also Jakub Kiwior – although the Poland international has featured heavily on the left, so a natural central defender seems to be on Mikel Arteta and Edu‘s radar.

Now – however – one reported target for Arsenal has suggested a summer move is highly unlikely to happen…

Matthijs de Ligt suggests he has no desire to join Arsenal

Well – according to Football Transfers – Bayern Munich No.4 Matthijs de Ligt is a target for Arsenal.

It is said that the Gunners have held internal talks about signing the 24-year-old.

The £65.6m man has struggled to find rhythm under Thomas Tuchel at the Allianz Arena, making just 12 starts out of a possible 26 in the Bundesliga this season.

Christoph Freund – Director of Football at Bayern Munich – even revealed that De Ligt was unhappy back in February.

The Austrian told Kicker: “We can understand his disappointment but we are happy to have Matthijs. Here at Bayern there’s competition, he knows that and he’s being professional as always.”

Now – however – the Netherlands international has changed his tune after breaking back into Tuchel’s starting XI.

De Ligt told Sky Sports Germany: “I’m not thinking about a transfer, I’m happy at Bayern. The club and the fans have always given me a lot of love, I feel good.”

Alternatives for the Gunners

Well, this transfer now seems very unlikely – so let’s take a look at some alternative options Edu could pursue.

The Sun believe Arsenal like Crystal Palace No.6 Marc Guehi – a player who has developed nicely into a regular for England in recent seasons.

A story from the Daily Mail also mentioned that Arsenal have enquired about Everton No.32 Jarrad Branthwaite, who is enjoying a fantastic breakthrough campaign at Goodison Park and recently earned his first England call up.

Clearly, De Ligt is not the only central defender on Edu’s list, and the Brazilian should probably put a line through the Dutchman’s name after his revealing comments.