Mikel Arteta's top 2020 transfer target that 'concerned' Arsenal board
When Mikel Arteta took the reins at Arsenal in late 2019, it was clear that his first tactical tweak had to come by adjusting the defence.
Under Unai Emery, the Gunners leaked goals and boasted a number of defenders that simply weren't up to scratch. As a result, Arteta was tempted by the idea of delving into the market in a bid to bolster his options. Reports soon emerged that then-Bayern Munich ace Jerome Boateng was the Spaniard's top target ahead of his first transfer window at the helm.
That is believed to have prompted some concern from those above Arteta in the Arsenal hierarchy. This was down to a number of reasons, such as his hefty wage demands, but the main fears centred around his lack of playing time at this stage of his career.
The links to the defender were rife, so much so that Arteta actually faced questions over a rumoured pursuit of Boateng in press conferences. "We don't talk about any transfers and we are working on a few things," the Arsenal boss explained. "When the club has something to say, I will let you know."
In this instance, Arsenal had nothing to say. No move for Boateng materialised and instead, the Gunners signed Pablo Mari as central defensive cover that window.
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Looking back now, those associated with the Gunners will deem that a near-miss considering how the Germany international's career has gone since that speculation. Off-field issues plagued Boateng's 2021, with the defender declaring he had split with his partner Kasia Lenhardt after accusing her of sabotaging a previous relationship and blackmailing him to stay with her.
HAVE YOUR SAY!Were Arsenal right to avoid a move for Boateng? Comment below
Jerome Boateng is without a club three years after being linked with a move to Arsenal (Peter Fox/Getty Images)After breaking up with Lenhardt, the model was found dead in an apartment in Berlin. Suicide was ruled as the cause of death. As a result, Boateng flew back from Qatar mid-way through the FIFA Club World Cup, with Bayern confirming his departure was due to personal reasons.
Seven months later, he was charged with assaulting ex-girlfriend Sherin Senler and sentenced to 60 days of daily fine. That was later revised to 120 days following two appeals, a sentence of 90 days or more is deemed a criminal conviction in Germany.
Boateng did manage to revive his career after that, spending two seasons with French outfit Lyon. However, his contract expired in June of this year and the defender was not offered another, meaning the one-time Arsenal target has been without a club for four months.
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