Arsenal and Chelsea in battle to land Jerome Boateng on free transfer as Bayern ‘refuse to offer him new deal’

The former Manchester City man, 32, is out of contract at the end of the season.

That means he can enter negotiations with European clubs over a pre-contract agreement to move in the summer.

Boateng came through at Hertha Berlin before three years at Hamburg and then joined Manchester City.

After a season at the Etihad, he returned to his homeland by signing for Bayern in 2011.

The centre-back has 333 appearances, eight Bundesligas, two Champions Leagues and a Club World Cup for the Bavarians.

Boateng and Niklas Sule have battled it out to partner David Alaba - also in the final year of his deal - at the heart of Hans-Dieter Flick's side so far this term.

But Premier League sides may look to bring the experienced defender back to England next summer despite strong starts defensively to the season.

Chelsea and Arsenal have conceded ten while Spurs have shipped a league-best nine along with Manchester City, Wolves, Aston Villa and leaders Leicester.

Sokratis, David Luiz and Shkodran Mustafi all have their contracts expiring next summer.

So even though Mikel Arteta will have the likes of Gabriel, William Saliba and Pablo Mari at his disposal, the Arsenal boss could benefit from the addition of Boateng.

Chelsea landed veteran Thiago Silva for nothing this summer and are already reaping the benefits with his commanding performances at the back.

Frank Lampard may be tempted by a similar signing if Silva continues to be a success.

At Tottenham, Jose Mourinho saw one experienced defender leave in Jan Vertonghen.

Joe Rodon did come in from Swansea but so far the Special One has generally opted for Eric Dier, Davinson Sanchez and Toby Alderweireld at the back.