Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng is reportedly set to join Arsenal this month for £12.8m as the Gunners need an experienced centre-back to help solve their defensive problems.
The Germany international has made more than 300 appearances for Bayern and won seven successive German titles and the 2013 Champions League during his spell at the Allianz Arena. It is understood that the 31-year-old has expressed his desire to leave the Bundesliga club this winter after starting less than half of Bayern matches this season.
According to Sky Sports Germany report, Arsenal are in dire need of a new centre-back following the injury to young defender Calum Chambers which will keep him out for six to nine months. The report added that talks have begun over a potential move for Boateng who knows the Premier League having spent a year at Manchester City before his move back to Germany in 2011. The medium understands that Bayern would be ready to sell him for around €15m.
Boateng has dropped down the pecking order under new boss Hansi Flick, but an injuring to Lucas Hernandez who is set to return later than expected might see the German defender stay at the Allianz Arena. However, a move to Arsenal has not been cancelled despite the recent injury woes at Bayern.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are not willing to spend so much in the January transfer, having spent £150m in the summer and with William Saliba due to return from his loan move to Saint-Etienne in the summer. Also, the Gunners are keeping tabs on RB Leipzig centre-back Dayot Upamecano, but it is thought Leipzig will not sell in January given they are top of the Bundesliga and fighting for the title, and also in the Champions League last 16.
Arteta had said the club’s transfer plans may have changed following the knee injury to Chambers during Arsenal’s defeat to Chelsea on Boxing Day.
He said: “That we will try to be in the market to see options that can strengthen the team, that’s for sure and our obligation and we will be working on that.
“My obligation is to give my opinion on the things we can improve. Obviously we have a bad injury with Calum a few days ago that will change our plans at the back.
“The reality is we will not be able to do much. I’m more concerned about getting players back from injury and try to improve the players I have here, get everybody on board and understanding what we’re trying to do.
“And if something extra comes up and we think it is the right opportunity to improve what we have, then let’s do it.”
