Arsenal are in the market for new recruits this January.
But according to reports, the Gunners' board is slightly concerned with Mikel Arteta's alleged top transfer target, Jerome Boateng.
Arsenal's defence has been shaky for the past few seasons, and Arteta has identified it as the area he wants to strengthen.
RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano has been linked with a transfer to north London in recent months, but would cost the cash-strapped Gunners a bomb.
Bayern Munich star Boateng is the other centre-back on Arsenal's radar and would be a considerably cheaper option.
Reports in Germany claim the Bundesliga giants could offload the defender for free as long as his wages are paid in full.
Boateng earns around £200,000-a-week at Bayern Munich, which is immediately problematic for Arsenal as it would made the German the club's joint second-best paid player behind Mesut Ozil.
Secondly, according to Goal, the Arsenal board are reportedly concerned over the defender's lack of playing time this season and how this has impacted his fitness.
The Gunners need a player to come in and hit the ground running this January, especially if they are breaking the bank to get him to the club.
And it seems the Arsenal hierarchy will only splash the cash if they're convinced it will be a worthwhile investment.
Arteta was asked to comment on Arsenal's pursuit of Boateng on Monday.
"We don't talk about any transfers and we are working on a few things," said Arteta. "When the club has something to say, I will let you know."
