Arsenal: Exceptions will be made to procure Jerome Boateng

Arsenal may very well have a surplus at center back, but there are certain players that you part the waters for, and Jerome Boateng is one.

I have just been singing the praises of Arsenal’s strength in depth on defense. They have such a wide array of defensive talent that it doesn’t look like they will need another purchase for years. Not with Calum Chambers returning, Rob Holding blooming and Shkodran Mustafi already so reliable.

That being said, in the old Arsene Wenger mantra, there are certain players you just make happen if they are available. Certain players that, no matter the current standing at the club, you try to procure.

Jerome Boateng is one such player. The German has struggled mightily for fitness this season at Bayern Munich, as he won’t even reach 1000 minutes played this campaign. But at 28 years of age, there is still so much for him to give.

According to the Daily Star, Boateng is holding talks with the Bavarian powerhouse to talk out his future with the club. This slightest hint of question has caused clubs like Arsenal and Tottenham to swoop in like vultures, perch on the roof of the building the two parties are meeting in, and await the result.

Boateng has always been one of the best defenders in the world. He has been capped over 60 times with Germany, won the World Cup and won just about every other major trophy with Bayern. If you want someone with experience, who is unflappable under pressure, you’ve found him.

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“But he may get in the way of Rob Holding/Calum Chambers!” nameless critic says. And yes, I hear that and worry about it too. But there are several things that calm my fears and ultimately do away with them. First of all, he has injury problems. When he is healthy, play him, he’s one of the best. When not, that’s why you have depth.

Plus, Arsenal need to be ruthless. It’s likely that Rob Holding used his changes to supplant Shkodran Mustafi. Why couldn’t Calum Chambers to the same to Boateng? Competition breeds greatness.

And besides, just picture a back three of Mustafi-Koscielny-Boateng. That is best in the world quality. Not to mention the ability to plug any gaps, provide rotation and keep the competition hot with Holding, Chambers and Gabriel.

This is a no lose situation, should he become available. If Boateng can only make a handful of appearances because of health issues, then at least we had him for a handful of appearances. And while he’s not healthy, then we don’t have to worry about Holding and Chambers being blocked.

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If he is healthy, then everyone benefits, the team improves and this back three starts to solidify. You tell me where the problem is.

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