Arsenal transfer boost with Bayern Munich ‘eager’ to offload Jerome Boateng as contract runs into last year

JEROME BOATENG looks set to leave Bayern Munich this summer - with the Bundesliga champions "eager" to offload him.

The Bavarians almost flogged the German ace in January, when the Gunners were said to be keen on a deal, but he stayed put to provide back-up in defence.

Arsenal bosses were reportedly reluctant to seal a deal for the German defender in January due to concerns over his fitness and £196,000-a-week wages.

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But with his contract expiring next summer the Gunners could still get a discounted transfer fee this time around.

According to , Bayern want to sell the defender this summer to avoid losing him for free at the end of next term.

However, Boateng wants to see out his contract or sign an extension.

He has still featured heavily for the Bundesliga champs this term, making 31 appearances at centre-back alongside David Alaba.

And the German ace still has a chance to stake his claim at Bayern with the second-leg of the last-16 Champions League tie against Chelsea looming.

Despite having seven centre-backs on their books, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu have identified their backline as their main weakness.

Sokratis and Calum Chambers are both believed to be available for sale while Pablo Mari and Shokdran Mustafi will both still be sidelined through injury when the new season kicks off.

William Saliba is back from St Etienne and the 19-year-old will be given a chance next term.

But David Luiz, 33, and Rob Holding are the only senior men Arteta has faith in, although Kieran Tierney has also played as part of a three-man defence.