Arsenal blow as Barcelona close in on transfers for Ajax duo De Ligt and Van de Beek

ANY slim chances Arsenal had of signing Ajax pair Matthijs De Ligt and Donny van de Beek appear over as Barcelona close in on their signatures, according to reports.

The Dutch pair are hot property after helping inspire their side to a historic Champions League semi-final.

Van de Beek scored the winner in the first-leg at Tottenham while De Ligt hit the net in the reverse fixture before Lucas Moura snatched the headlines.

Their performances against the world’s elite this season have certainly not gone unnoticed.

Mundo Deportivo report that De Ligt’s move to the Nou Camp is practically a done deal and the clubs just need to go over the formalities.

Van de Beek, 22, is also available if Ajax receive in the region of £45million.

Barca’s interest will come as a huge blow for both Arsenal and Tottenham who had been linked with the midfielder.

The Gunners were always facing an uphill battle after finishing outside the top four of the Premier League.

Boss Unai Emery also has a restricted transfer budget this summer and landing Van de Beek would leave little in the bank to pursue other targets.

Arsenal want to sign a central defender and have lined up a move for Harry Maguire, as revealed exclusively by SunSport.

Manchester United’s Eric Bailly also remains a option if the Maguire deal falls through.