Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham ‘are in a three-way battle to sign Jerome Boateng on a free transfer next summer’ after Bayern Munich decided NOT to offer the veteran defender a new contract amid interest in RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano
- Bayern Munich have decided not to renew defender Jerome Boateng’s contract
- Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham are all reportedly interested in the German
- Boateng will be allowed to leave the German champions on a free next summer
- Bayern want to replace the 32-year-old with Leipzig star Dayot Upamecano
Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham will battle it out to sign Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng on a free transfer next summer, according to reports in Germany.
The 32-year-old has entered the final year of his contract with the reigning European champions and has made it no secret that he would like to extend his stay at the Allianz Arena after nine years at the club.
However, according to Sport Bild, Bayern have decided not to renew the German’s deal and will instead let him leave on a free at the end of the season.
Bayern Munich will reportedly allow Jerome Boateng to leave for free next summer
The news has sparked a three-way race between the Premier League trio, who are all reportedly interested in bringing him to London.
The report claims that Boateng was a transfer target for the Gunners this summer with Mikel Arteta still keen to strengthen his backline.
They will face competition from north London rivals Spurs, though, amid claims that Jose Mourinho is keeping tabs on Boateng’s situation.
Chelsea were also linked with the veteran defender earlier this year but Frank Lampard opted to go with Thiago Silva instead.
Boateng has helped Bayern win eight Bundesliga titles and two Champions League trophies
However, another experienced central defender arriving at Stamford Bridge on a free could still interest the Blues boss.
The decision not to renew Boateng’s deal comes as a result of Bayern’s interest in RB Leipzig centre back Dayot Upamecano, who is also wanted by Manchester United.
Boateng is still hoping that he can sign a new short-term deal with the German champions having rediscovered his form under boss Hansi Flick.
‘I can imagine [signing a contract extension],’ Boateng told Kicker.
The decision not to renew his deal comes as a result of Bayern’s interest in Dayot Upamecano
‘My children feel at home here. With Hansi Flick as coach and this team, it’s a lot of fun. ‘In the end, I’m happy to still be with Bayern. I’m enjoying football again.’
Since arriving from Manchester City in 2011 after one season at the Etihad, Boateng has helped Bayern win eight Bundesliga titles and two Champions League trophies.
He has made 333 appearances for the club, scoring nine goals and providing 24 assists from the heart of the defence while establishing himself as one of the best in the world in his position.
