Why Arsenal should make a move for Bayern’s Jerome Boateng in January
According to a report by the Daily Star, Arsenal are targeting Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng this January.
The former Germany international, 31, has only featured nine times in the league for Bayern Munich this season. Jerome Boateng is one of the country’s most successful players, having won the World Cup with Germany in 2014 and the Champions League with Bayern in 2013.
However, he has found opportunities hard to come by this term and is, therefore, being linked with a move away from the club.
The report adds that the 31-year-old centre-back is on Arsenal’s radar ahead of the winter transfer window, with new boss Mikel Arteta expected to be handed funds to bolster his squad in January.
The Gunners are 12th in the table are suffered a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at the Emirates on Sunday in what was just Arteta’s second game in charge of the club. They have shipped in 30 goals in 20 games, which doesn’t bode well for a side that wants Champions League football back at the Emirates next season.
Arsenal have once again been defensively poor, with the likes of David Luiz, Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Shkodran Mustafi failing to live up to the lofty expectations of the Emirates faithful.
Calum Chambers has been a rare bright spark at the back, having operated as a centre-back and right-back as per the requirement.
The North Londoners did sing William Saliba from Saint-Etienne during the past summer transfer window but he was loaned back to the French club for this term.
While Saliba will become a part of the club from next season onward, Arteta must find an immediate solution to his defensive problems. Having said that, the Spaniard should look to bring in Jerome Boateng in January.
A highly experienced defender, Boateng has racked up 300 appearances for Bayern, clinching seven league titles and the Champions League in his time at the Allianz Arena.
As per WhoScored, the German defender of Ghanaian descent has averaged 1.4 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, 2.7 clearances and 0.3 blocks in the Bundesliga this season.
More Arsenal News
- Why a struggling Arsenal should sign Leicester star Ndidi
- Why Dayot Upamecano would be a top signing for Arsenal
- Why Gabriel could be a good addition to a weak Arsenal defence
He may have regressed over the past few seasons due to a series of injury problems, but one cannot deny Boateng’s defensive prowess, on and off the ball.
A serial winner with vast experience of playing in the Champions League, the former Manchester City man is excellent on the ball and his passing ability would make him a natural fit for Arteta’s style of play at the Emirates.
Verdict
At 31, the Bayern stopper won’t be a long-term solution to Arsenal’s defensive problems but he can help Arteta immediately steady the ship. If Boateng can keep himself fit, he’ll be a smart signing for the Gunners.