Barcelona offer four kids on loan to Ajax in bid to beat Arsenal to Matthijs de Ligt transfer
Dutch centre-back has been a target for Europe's best clubs after his performances in the Eredivisie and Champions League
BARCELONA are set to beat Arsenal to the signing Matthijs de Ligt by sweetening the deal for Ajax with four of their most talented academy players, according to reports.
President Josep Maria Bartomeu travelled to Holland this week to seal a deal for the Dutch centre-back who is understood to have his heart set on the Nou Camp.
The La Liga giants have reportedly made a £51m bid to pip their rivals to de Ligt's signature, hoping they could snap up yet another Ajax starlet.
As part of the deal for the 19-year-old, the Dutch club will also get Juan Miranda, Oriol Busquets, Riqui Puig, and Jean Clair Todibo, according to .
The four teens, who are all within a year of de Ligt's age, are thought to be currently pondering a switch to the Champions League quarter-finalists.
Barcelona's gesture is likely to continue the good relationship between the two clubs that began when the Catalans sealed a £65m deal for Frenkie de Jong in January.
I play my game, focus on football and we'll see where I end up
Matthijs de Ligt
De Ligt, who is Ajax's captain despite his young age, has netted twice in the Eredivisie this season as Ajax battle with PSV Eindhoven for the top spot.
The Dutchman identifies himself as a Barca-type player, confident with the ball at his feet and he even chips in with the odd goal.
Speaking on leaving the Amsterdam giants, de Ligt said: "I play my game, focus on football and we'll see where I end up. It is not something that worries me.
"I am currently playing for Ajax and the national team, so that is what I'm focusing on. I'm gaining experience and I like it."
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The young centre-back would be expected to partner Gerard Pique in defence with Barcelona hoping to offload Samuel Umitti to free up funds.
The 25-year-old has missed large swathes of the 2018-19 campaign due to a knee injury which he played through while helping France win the World Cup last summer.
The former Lyon star has a £429million release clause, but the La Liga champions are thought to be open to allowing Umtiti to leave for £51.5m.
