Arsenal told why there is no chance of top defensive target joining

Arsenal have been informed that top defensive target Jerome Boateng is off the market by Bayern Munich, according to reports.

The Gunners had lined up Germany veteran Boateng as their most cost-effective centre-back target, with Mikel Arteta short of quality in the position.

Arsenal had been linked with RB Leipzig starlet Dayot Upamecano, but were set back when learning of his price tag.

Hence, their attentions switched to Boateng, who Bayern were reportedly prepared to let leave on a free transfer this winter.

However, Bild journalist Christian Falk reveals that that stance has now changed, and Bayern have locked Boateng’s future by ruling out his departure.

Update @JB17Official: @FCBayern informed Boateng that he is not allowed to leave the Club in winter due to the small squad (our @SPORTBILD Story) @altobelli13

— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) January 15, 2020

Bayern themselves have become deprived of options at the back due to injuries suffered by Lucas Hernandez and Niklas Sule, leaving only Boateng, Benjamin Pavard and 19-year-old Lars Lukas Mai as their only centre-backs.

As such, Bild note that Bayern have blocked Boateng’s exit, forcing Arsenal to look elsewhere.

It may not be the end of the road in Arsenal’s centre-back search, though, as previous reports had indicated that the board were unhappy with the idea of signing Boateng anyway – meaning Arteta may have some other options in mind.

In other Arsenal news, the club are said to have their eyes on another bargain move, by targetting out-of-contract Napoli forward Dries Mertens as a replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang if the Gabon international leaves.

Aubameyang has just 18 months left on his contract, meaning the club are considering cashing in on interest from Inter Milan and Barcelona in the summer.