Arsenal Make Advances Over Potential January Deal For Jerome Boateng

The latest reports suggest that Arsenal have enquired about Bayern Munich’s Jerome Boateng.

The German defender is thought to be available this January for a £12-13m fee.

Arsenal desperately need to add more quality to their backline and Boateng is thought to be the ideal man for the job. He is 31 years old, not wanted at Bayern and will bring in loads of experience from winning in the European top-flight.

The most optimum way to acquire him would be on a loan for the remainder of the season with an option to buy next summer. But given the situation Boateng is in, Bayern would much rather cash in on him right now.

However, not all of Bayern’s higher authority share the same stance on the centre-back. Manager, Hansi Flick is not willing to let Boateng walk midway through the season. He said, “Jerome is a player of Bayern Munich and I will not concern myself with any rumours, that’s what I did the last years,” he told reporters.

“Jerome came back to training well-prepared, he prepared himself on holiday. So, I am curious what the next week will bring. But I will not concern myself with thoughts if he will leave the club or not. He didn’t say anything regarding that and we are constantly in an exchange. We have to see how these things develop, but right now I cannot picture it [Boateng leaving].”

Arsenal take on Leeds United in the third round of the FA Cup on Monday.