ARSENAL are hoping to beat Barcelona to the signing of Ajax ace Matthijs de Ligt.
The Gunners sent one of their top scouts to watch the 18-year-old in action for the Netherlands against England last week.
Since cementing his spot in the heart of the Ajax defence, the youngster has attracted a wide range of interest.
Arsene Wenger, who is keen to bolster his squad this summer, is a long-term admirer of the centre-half.
The Gunners have suffered defensively this term, with Laurent Koscielny struggling to shake off an achilles injury.
And the 18-year-old has emerged as a top target after a stellar season in the Eredivisie.
De Ligt is under contract at the Johan Cruijff Arena until 2021, and it is expected that any suitor will have to pay mega-money to secure his services.
He has made over 50 appearances for Ajax since making his senior debut for the club in 2016.
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Barcelona are also closely monitoring the defender, and have sent scouts to watch him in his last three games.
The Spanish giants had considered a move for the defender in January, but instead they opted to sign Yerry Mina.
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It was reported last month that Manchester United and Manchester City have also made contact with the 18-year-old’s entourage.
German giants Bayern Munich are also in the running after sending scouts to watch him in action in Amsterdam.
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