Arsenal Football Club are trying to bring FIFA World Cup winning defender Jerome Boateng on loan in a desperate attempt to fix holes in their defence, according to a report carried by Dailystar.
Boateng, who started out his career at Hertha BSC, has been playing for German giants Bayern Munich for a long time. He once was considered one of the most solid centre-backs of the world. However, his form has dipped with age, and he now plays only a bit-part role.
Jerome Boateng, who has been a regular for the Munich side ever since he stepped into the club in 2011, has played only 16 games this season. With Bayern bringing in major reinforcements in defence by signing Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernandez, chances have come at a premium for Boateng. The German international’s contract will expire at the end of the season, and Bayern are unlikely to opt for a renewal.
They are willing to send Jerome Boateng on a short-term loan, provided that the club who acquires his services pays his wages in full. Arsenal are one of the clubs interested in Boateng to temporarily fix their problems at the back.
The Gunners are linked with a few other more exciting prospects like Dayot Upamecano. However, they are unlikely to splurge a lot of money in the winter transfer window.
Jerome Boateng: An Option Worth Considering For Arteta?
Arsenal are currently enduring a very rough phase in the Premier League. They are at the 10th place in the Premier League table, 10 points off the top six, a place where they would ideally want to be. One of the main reasons behind their current standings is their poor defence. The Gunners have conceded 32 goals in the league so far, the most by any team in top ten.
Injuries have added to their problems as well. One of the most consistent performers for the north Londoners, Calum Chambers has been sidelined with a knee injury. He is unlikely to make a comeback anytime this season.
Hence, Boateng might look like a good temporary addition, but there are a few issues with this possible signing.
Arsenal went for an experienced centre-back in David Luiz, and that deal hasn’t worked out too well. Sokratis is another veteran who is struggling with his form. Hence, adding another centre-back to the mix who is way past his prime might not be a very wise decision. Rob Holding is fit again after a long-term injury, so Arsenal might not need a temporary solution.
Instead, waiting for Dayot Upamecano and the summer to properly address the issue seems to be the better alternative.
Stat Courtesy: Whoscored