Update on Jerome Boateng's Bayern Munich future
By Max Cooper
Bayern Munich have told German star Jerome Boateng that he is free to leave the club this summer, as they have no intention of extending his contract, which expires at the end of the season.
The 32-year-old has spent the past decade with Die Roten, winning everything there is on offer at club level, including two Champions League trophies and nine consecutive league titles.
But Boateng's successful period at Bayern appears to be coming to an end, as Kicker reports that the Bundesliga champions have told the centre-back they are not prepared to extend his contract beyond the end of this season. This will certainly attract attention from around Europe - particularly from the Premier League.
The former Manchester City star is being linked with a potential move to English giants Arsenal or Chelsea, and they'd both be delighted to land such an experienced and decorated defender on a free transfer.
The Blues have enjoyed great success in securing a similar deal to sign former Paris Saint-Germain captain Thiago Silva this season, and may look to explore this option once again. The Gunners are in dire need of improvements to their backline, and a man of Boateng's stature could help whip them into shape.
It'll be a huge loss to Bayern when Boateng departs at the end of the season, given that he still plays an integral part to their side, having featured 22 times in the Bundesliga alone this year. But Die Roten are looking to reshuffle their squad in the upcoming transfer market, having already completed the signing of RB Leipzig centre-back Dayot Upamecano for £38.5m.
However, they will be losing another valuable asset to their defence ahead of the new season, as long-term servant David Alaba is set to head out of the exit door this summer.