The two Premier League clubs are set to enter the race to sign German defender Jerome Boateng.
Arsenal and Manchester United have both struggled with defensive woes in the 2017-18 season. United’s defensive style of football and a world-class goalkeeper in David De Gea ensured second-place finish. Arsenal, however, couldn’t secure Champions League spot as the club finished a poor sixth.
Justifiably, both the clubs are in the market for defenders, and have set their eyes upon Bayern Munich’s Jerome Boateng. Bild has reported that Arsenal, Manchester United and Paris Saint Germain are eyeing a move for Jerome Boateng. The German publication has further reported that that United has contacted Bayern for the player.
According to the report, Bayern Munich have valued Boateng at £44m.
Jerome Boateng has consistently struggled with injuries since the last three seasons at Bayern Munich, forcing him to miss almost half the season.
Manchester United have also been linked with the signings of Toby Alderweireld and Harry Maguire, but have now turned their attention towards Boateng. Arsenal, meanwhile, have already made a signature of Sokratis Papastathopoulos from Borussia Dortmund, but believe Boateng could complete the central defence.
Kicker | Man United, PSG and also Arsenal are interested in Jérôme Boateng – Bayern want €50m – Kovač wants to keep Boateng but if he leaves he wants another CB – Bayern set to go after Pavard – Rummenigge’s statement that Bayern have enough CBs is only a smokescreen pic.twitter.com/D0ON91DFhi
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) August 5, 2018
The Arsenal captain, Laurent Koscielny earlier hinted that he may leave the club at the end of the contract, which expires in 2020. The French defender will miss out the first few months of the season due to injury. With the retirement of Per Mertesacker, central defence has become the priority for the London club.
The Old Trafford side faced troubles in the pre-season and Jose Mourinho has maintained that lack of signings may see United struggling in the Premier League. The United manager has also insisted that Manchester United’s rivals have strengthened their sides and lack of signings is not a good sign for the club.
