Chelsea seem to have joined Arsenal in the race to sign centre-back Jerome Boateng from Bayern Munich in the summer – according to Fussball Transfers.
The defender has one more year left on his current deal at the Allianz Arena and Boateng’s manager Hansi Flick has expressed the desire to work with him next season as well.
“He still has a year contract, it’s his decision,” said Bayern coach Hansi Flick said. “Jérôme was a German international and has now shown once again that he can show performance at this high level.
“I like to work with him. He is physically fitter and has created the conditions that he currently has a regular place here. I like to work with him and he is currently doing a very good job.”
But there’s major apprehension over his future since some rumours claim the defender is not enthusiastic in signing a new deal at Bayern Munich and is looking for a new challenge next season.
Chelsea or Arsenal: Where’s Boateng heading?
Obviously Bayern Munich want the centre-back to stay at the club beyond the summer but if he doesn’t there’s a big possibility he might land up in the Premier League.
Both Arsenal and Chelsea are giants of English football but in order for them to lure in the World Cup winner, both these clubs will have to have Champions League status. And this is where Chelsea are likely to steal a march over their London rivals.
Also, Mikel Arteta has a number of centre-backs at his disposal right now which could be another big deterrent in signing the 31-year-old.
But one major cause of concern with the Blues is that they rarely offer long-term deals to players who are over 30 meaning at best Jerome Boateng will be able to get a two-year deal at Stamford Bridge.
And we doubt the defender is willing to live in a cloud of uncertainty once he leaves Bayern Munich in the summer.
