Arsenal transfer target Jerome Boateng still deciding future with rumours he will quit Bayern Munich
ARSENAL target Jerome Boateng is set to link back up for training with Bayern Munich as he considers his future at the club.
The Gunners have earmarked Boateng as a potential option to come in and strengthen their defence over the transfer window.
New Bayern coach Hansi Flick has made it clear to the 31-year-old that he cannot guarantee him regular football at the Allianz Arena.
And Flick has also said he would not stand in the German international's way if he decided he wanted to leave Munich for another club.
That has alerted Arsenal to the prospect of being able to put together a deal to sign Boateng this month.
But as yet the defender has not made up his mind what he wants to do, and is expected to return from the winter break to resume training with Bayern.
The Bundesliga giants are due to fly out to Qatar for a warm-weather training camp on January 4, and it is understood the player will be linking up with them as usual.
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New Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta already knew he needed to look at his back line as an area for improvement when he arrived at the club last month.
But that need has been increased by the loss of Calum Chambers for the remainder of the season with a knee ligament injury.
It leaves the Gunners short of options in the centre of the defence, and it is one of the main areas the club are looking at doing business in this month if possible.
Boateng still has 18 months left on his existing deal with Bayern, but the club are not thought to be demanding a massive fee if anyone wants to sign him.
And the prospect of returning to the Premier League having enjoyed a spell with Manchester City is one the is said to interest him.
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Bayern boss Flick said: "I get along with him and we talk openly.
"Against Wolfsburg he came into the side and had some problems, but then he showed he has the quality to play for Bayern.
"Jerome has to make the decision about his future because it's about his career."