Jerome Boateng Urged To Snub Man Utd And Arsenal

Jerome Boateng

The Bayern Munich defender has been linked with a Premier League switch, but his team-mates in Germany are hoping to see him stay put
Jerome Boateng has been urged by Bayern Munich team-mate Franck Ribery to shun interest from Manchester United and Arsenal.

The World Cup-winning defender has been heavily linked with a late window switch to England as the summer transfer deadline approaches.

Old Trafford and Emirates Stadium have been mooted as possible landing spots for the 29-year-old centre-half.

Boateng boasts previous Premier League experience from a spell at Manchester City and would be expected to slot seamlessly into Jose Mourinho and Unai Emery’s plans.

Ribery, though, is eager to see a proven performer remain at the Allianz Arena, telling reporters after a 1-0 friendly victory for the Bundesliga champions over United: “I’ve been playing with Jerome for many years now.

“I hope he’ll stay with us because he’s an important player.

“To me, he’s one of the best central defenders in the world.”

Boateng, who has also been linked with Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain, endured a tough 2018 World Cup with Germany but has enjoyed a trophy-laden career to date.

Manuel Neuer, a colleague for club and country, is another of those hoping to see the defender stay put, admitting that he would be “missed” by Bayern.

David Alaba is also looking for Boateng to remain an integral part of future plans in Bavaria.

The defender said on the exit talk: “We’d all be sad.

“He’s a world-class player, one of the best in his position.”

While team-mates at Bayern are hoping to see Boateng’s services retained, club chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has admitted that sales may be sanctioned over the coming days.

He told 100% Bundesliga: “Both we and the coach are of the opinion that if one player or the other wants to leave, we will deal with it seriously.”