‘Boateng different to Luiz & would be good for Arsenal’ – Ex-Gunners defender backs Bayern raid

Jerome Boateng would demand “respect” at Arsenal and be another useful senior addition to sit alongside David Luiz and act as a mentor for the club’s younger defenders, says Justin Hoyte.

Reports are suggesting that the Bayern Munich stalwart has emerged as a top target for the Gunners.

The World Cup winner boasts prior experience of life in England from a short stint at Manchester City and has seen an exit door left open at the Allianz Arena.



Boateng has taken in 300 appearances for Bayern across nine years, and has 76 caps for his country, but is still only 31 years of age.

He would add vast experience and pedigree to a leaky defensive unit at Emirates Stadium and Hoyte, who emerged through a famed academy system in north London, believes it is worth new Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta asking the question of a proven performer.

He told Sky Sports: “Yeah, 100 per cent.

“You have to respect him for what he’s won. What a player. You can look at him as a leader of the team. All the younger players will look up to him and want to achieve what he has.

“Even the experienced players at Arsenal now can learn a lot from him.”

Arsenal made a similar move last summer when luring Luiz away from London rivals Chelsea.

The 32-year-old Brazilian has failed to convince everybody since linking up with the Gunners, with questions still being asked of his concentration and temperament.

Similar posers would be presented by Boateng, but Hoyte believes Arteta would be landing a different kind of defender to those already on his books.

Quizzed on similarities to the Luiz deal, the ex-Gunners full-back said: “I think it would work out.

“David Luiz is the player he is. Boateng is a different type of player. Luiz wants to get on the ball and play it around, he’s more midfield minded but Boateng is defensive minded.

“He’s more of an organiser and he’d be solid at the back for Arsenal.

“I think he wants to come back and prove himself. He wants to prove he can still to a job in the Premier League. That’s a prime example why Arsenal want him, because he’s got unfinished business.”