CHELSEA and Arsenal target Jerome Boateng is a step nearer a Premier League move after Bayern Munich confirmed their ex-Germany centre-back will leave this summer.
The Blues are also keen on Boateng’s outgoing club-mate David Alaba, who would be the Prem’s top earner if his reported pay demands of £400,000 a week were met.
And Bayern say Boateng, 32, who has missed the last two games, will not have his contract renewed, so will depart for free.
The Bundesliga champs’ sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic told Sky: “That was a joint decision of the club’s management and the coach was also involved in it.
“I explained it to Jerome and he was very understanding.”
Berliner Boateng has played 354 games for Bayern, with 10 goals and 25 assists, since joining from Manchester City ten years ago.
But the former Hamburg star has long been admired by Prem giants.
And that interest rose after Bayern announced they had won the race to sign RB Leipzig’s France ace Dayot Upamecano in the summer.
German outlet Bild suggest Boateng has not ruled out a move to the MLS.
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But the chance to keep pressing for top honours in Europe would surely be more alluring for the Sextuple winner.
And despite been suspended for last weekend’s 1-0 win at Leipzig, Boateng is still a Bayern regular.
And Bayern coach Hansi Flick recently defended him after club advisor Uli Hoeness criticised calls for his return to the national team.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
