Jerome Boateng could be on his way out of Bayern Munich, with Sport BILD reporting on Thursday that the German and European champions have taken the decision not to renew the defender’s contract. If true, this means the 32-year-old will be available as a free agent at the end of the season.
It’s claimed Arsenal , Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur ’s ears have all pricked up upon hearing this news, with Boateng sure to be a man in demand next summer. But which of these three clubs would be the best fit for the German international who helped Bayern Munich to a Champions League title only two months ago?
Arsenal
The summer signing of Gabriel Magalhaes has steadied Arsenal’s backline this season, with the Brazilian making an instant impact at the Emirates Stadium following his arrival from Lille. The Gunners have no shortage of problems right now, but for once it’s not their defence taking the heat at this moment in time.
Nonetheless, the addition of Boateng would upgrade Arsenal’s defensive options. The 32-year-old is best in an orthodox back four, so Arteta might be forced to move away from the back three he is currently using. However, that might not be such a big deal if Arteta is using the back three to mask a lack of centre back options.
From a financial perspective, the Gunners have already demonstrated their willingness to dip into the free agency market with the signing of Willian this summer. Boateng would be a shrewd addition that would allow Arsenal to focus their funds on other areas.
Chelsea
For all the money Chelsea spent on new signings over the summer, very little attention was paid to the central defensive positions. Malang Sarr and Thiago Silva arrived on free transfers, with the former loaned out to Porto for the season. Silva has made a positive impact at Stamford Bridge, but at 36 is a short-term solution.
32-year-old Boateng would also be something of a short term solution, but it could be argued the German is still in his peak years as a professional. Silva has already shown himself adept at playing out from the back for Chelsea and so Boateng could potentially be a good fit alongside the Brazilian as a defensive all-rounder. The duo’s qualities would complement each other.
Some might argue that the Stamford Bridge club should be looking to add some youth alongside Silva, but there is enough exuberance elsewhere in Frank Lampard’s team to make up for this. An experienced backline might be what Chelsea need to mount a serious title challenge.
Tottenham Hotspur
Jose Mourinho wanted a centre back added to his Tottenham Hotspur squad in the summer window, but missed out on a number of top targets. This led to Joe Rodon being signed from Swansea City before the closure of the Championship window, but the young Welshman is one for the future rather than one for the present.
Spurs could use a world-class centre back ready to slot straight into their team and Boateng appears to fit the bill. The exit of Jan Vertonghen at the end of last season saw Mourinho lose an experienced figure at the back. This is where Boateng could potentially come in.
Alongside Toby Alderweireld and with Rodon and Davinson Sanchez as depth options, and Eric Dier also capable of playing at centre back, Tottenham would boast one of the strongest defences in the Premier League. Mourinho might push for the signing of a player he previously wanted during his time at Manchester United.
