Bayern Munich defender emerges as transfer target for Arsenal
Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng is reportedly attracting interest from Arsenal.
The winter transfer window is not only an opportunity for clubs to improve the squad options but also for players that are struggling to get playing time at their current club. Bayern Munich also has some players that will be looking for a move this month.
Jerome Boateng is one of those players that need a new adventure and has no future at Bayern. The German defender’s agent has reportedly held talks with Hasan Salihamidzic to discuss the possibility of leaving Bavaria in winter.
Boateng already has a suitor if a report from England is to be believed. According to Daily Star, Arsenal has identified Boateng as one of their transfer targets for January. The English club needs defensive recruitments as they have been struggling in defense this season.
The German defender has been trying to leave Bayern for the past two summers. He came close to joining Paris Saint-Germain, but the two clubs didn’t reach an agreement over the transfer fee. Last summer, there was less interest in him, and Die Roten also decided to keep him after Mats Hummels left for Borussia Dortmund.
More from Bayern Strikes
- Bayern Munich: Tactical takeaways from 2-2 draw against Bayer Leverkusen
- Bayern Munich: Kingsley Coman set to be fit for Manchester United clash
- Bayern Munich unlikely to move for Trevoh Chalobah in January
- Bayern Munich: Key lessons from draw against Bayer Leverkusen
- Bayern Munich remains keen on hiring Max Eberl
Boateng is way behind in the pecking order at Bayern. In the past two months, Die Roten went through a defensive crisis, but Boateng still struggled to play every game. He has become too error-prone, and opponents target him due to lack of pace. Passing is the only aspect in which he still excels, but defensively he is a liability at the moment.
A change of scenery will be ideal for Boateng to get somewhere close to his best. Since his injury record has been poor, a move to Premier League will not make sense. Moreover, Boateng’s limitations will be more visible in a struggling side such as Arsenal. A transfer to Spain or France will be much better for the German defender.
Bayern Munich should not think twice if a decent offer comes in for Boateng. They have delayed the inevitable for long. This is the last chance to get a respectable transfer fee for Boateng since his contract is set to expire in 2021.
Next. Bayern Munich extends young midfielder’s contract. dark
Having said that, Die Roten should try to secure a replacement for Boateng before sanctioning his transfer. They are already short on numbers so they cannot afford to go in the second half of the season with one less defender. Allowing Boateng to leave the club is fine, but not replacing him will be a big mistake.