Arsenal have reportedly joined the race to sign Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng, who is also a summer target for Manchester United.
According to a report by Daily Mirror, Jerome Boateng is the subject of interest from Arsenal, who are set to lodge a late bid to land the Bayern Munich defender. Manchester United have also been heavily linked with the German international, who has been available for transfer this summer.
Boateng has enjoyed a stellar seven-year stint at Bayern Munich, amassing over 250 appearances for the Bavarian giants. But, the German international has been made available for transfer this season by Die Roten, who have openly admitted to their stance on him.
However, Boateng has been no closer to sealing a move away from the Allianz Arena, even though there has been no shortage of interest in him. The likes of Manchester United and PSG have been reported as the front-runners in his pursuit. But, Arsenal have joined the race to sign the 29-year-old.
The Gunners have already bolstered the heart of their defence this summer by signing Sokratis. But, the Greek defender’s arrival does not seem to be enough, with Shkodran Mustafi providing an unreliable presence at the back. Furthermore, the likes of Rob Holding and Konstantinos Mavropanos do not have the experience to become first-choice centre-backs yet.
Boateng is thus, a viable short-term solution for Arsenal, who can also have another defensive mentor for their young centre-backs. However, the Gunners are unlikely to have it easy in pursuit of the player, with Manchester United reigniting their interest in him.
The Red Devils’ pursuit of a new centre-back has been all too well known. Jose Mourinho is eager to sign a top class defensive leader for his backline, which has seen him pursue a deal for Toby Alderweireld. But, with no guarantees of Tottenham wilting under pressure from the Belgian, Manchester United seem to be keeping their options open.
The Premier League heavyweights are already in discussions with Bayern Munich over a possible move, using their trip to Munich to hold talks with the Bavarians. Arsenal though, are looking to steal a march on Manchester United for Boateng, although the report does seem to be suspect on one count.
Arsenal have reportedly been operating on a limited budget, which they would have definitely exhausted after signing five players this summer. With Boateng reportedly available for €50 million, it remains to be seen if the North Londoners are able to produce the funds to land him. Manchester United though, should face no such difficulties.
The big decision that the Red Devils face is regarding the defender they will prioritise – Alderweireld or Boateng. With just four days remaining for the transfer window to slam shut in England, neither Arsenal nor Manchester United have long to wait in the wings, and must make a decision quickly.
PSG are also in the race to sign the 29-year-old, and should fancy their chances of snapping him up, considering their window closes much later on. A captivating next few days beckon, with no certainty as to where Boateng will end up this summer.
