Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng during the January transfer window.
Gunners defender Calum Chambers picked up an injury a couple of days ago which has now ruled him out for the rest of the season. And while providing an update on the centre-back Mikel Arteta had admitted that he could be looking to bring in some defensive reinforcements.
The manager said via The Independent: “That we will try to be in the market to see options that can strengthen the team, that’s for sure and our obligation and we will be working on that.
“My obligation is to give my opinion on the things we can improve. Obviously we have a bad injury with Calum a few days ago that will change our plans at the back.
“The reality is we will not be able to do much. I’m more concerned about getting players back from injury and try to improve the players I have here, get everybody on board and understanding what we’re trying to do.
“And if something extra comes up and we think it is the right opportunity to improve what we have, then let’s do it.”
While some reports had suggested that Bayern Munich would not hesitate to let Jerome Boateng leave since the player was already 31 years old but recently interim boss Flick made it clear that the senior pro is not leaving the club anytime soon.
“Jerome is a player of Bayern Munich and I will not concern myself with any rumours, that’s what I did the last years,” he told reporters.
“Jerome came back to training well-prepared, he prepared himself on holiday. So, I am curious what the next week will bring.
“But I will not concern myself with thoughts if he will leave the club or not. He didn’t say anything regarding that and we are constantly in an exchange. We have to see how these things develop, but right now I cannot picture it [Boateng leaving].”
But still, we were confident that the Gunners would give the transfer a serious chance since they are badly in need of defenders.
Now though it looks the Arsenal boss does not want to sign Jerome Boateng.
As per reports, the hierarchy is not too confident in spending money on an ageing defender especially after how Denis Suarez turned out to be a flop last season.
Also to add to that, Jermone Boateng has been struggling with injuries and has seen very little game time so far this season and since Arsenal will be working with a limited budget this month, they do not want to spend unnecessary money.
