Arsenal consider move for Bundesliga winner as Upamecano alternative: report
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Arsenal are reportedly considering an approach to sign Jerome Boateng from Bayern Munich after being priced out of a move for RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano.
Upamecano was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium before the summer transfer deadline and it appears that the Gunners have revived their pursuit after the long-term injury setback for Calum Chambers.
However, the north London side seem to have made no progress in terms of the negotiations with Leipzig and they find themselves in a similar position to the summer with the German side reluctant to lower their £70m price tag.
As a result, the club are looking for alternative options to strengthen the heart of the defence and Evening Standard claims that Boateng from Bayern has emerged as a suitable choice.
The same outlet claims that the former Germany international would be available for just £12.8m and he could act as a stop-gap option until the summer where the club could recruit a younger centre-back.
Boateng, 31, would have proved a top-class signing a few seasons ago but his performances have been on the decline over the past 18 months while fitness concerns have hampered him for most of his career.
Despite this, he has strong ball-playing abilities and has managed a higher pass completion rate (88.3%) compared to Luiz, Sokratis or Calum Chambers this term, as per whoscored.
Elsewhere, the seven-time Bundesliga winner has made more interceptions per game (1.2) and won more offsides (0.7) and could effectively fit into Arteta’s style of play on a short-term basis at the least.
Arsenal are scheduled to face Leeds United in the third round of the FA Cup at the Emirates Stadium on Monday night. Arteta is likely to make a few changes and the likes of Daniel Ceballos and Hector Bellerin may get their first piece of action under new boss Arteta.