ARSENAL can reportedly sign Jerome Boateng for free – if they pick up his 196,000-a-week wages.
Bayern Munich were initially thought to want around 12.75million for the defender, 31.
But according to Bild, now they would be willing to let him go for no transfer fee.
That is despite his contract at the Allianz Arena running until 2021.
It is thought Bayern offered a similar deal to Juventus last year with a proposed loan move but Maurizio Sarri decided against it.
Boateng featured in 15 appearances for the German giants before their winter break, rotating with the likes of Javi Martinez and David Alaba at centre-back.
However, he would no doubt be a mainstay in the Arsenal defence should he make the switch to North London.
Although his massive wages could put off the Gunners as they desperately look to bring in a centre-half this month.
Calum Chambers was ruled out for up to nine months after undergoing knee surgery for his ruptured ACL.
Boss Mikel Arteta admitted the injury has altered the club’s plans in the transfer market.
He said: “Obviously we have a bad injury with Calum a few days ago that will change our plans at the back
“The reality is we will not be able to do much. Im more concerned about getting players back from injury and try to improve the players I have here, get everybody on board and understanding what were trying to do.
“And if something extra comes up and we think it is the right opportunity to improve what we have, then lets do it.”
The Gunners may have been priced out of a deal to sign Dayot Upamecano because RB Leipzig are demanding 70m for their 21-year-old.
Leicester City appear to have jumped ahead of Arsenal in the queues for Juventus pair Daniele Rugani and Merih Demiral.
Meanwhile, reports suggest the Gunners want to rival Chelsea in an attempt to sign Bournemouth star Nathan Ake.
