The key concern Arsenal have about Jerome Boateng

Bayern Munich centre-back Jerome Boateng has emerged as a surprise target for Arsenal this January with the Gunners keen to reinforce their backline.

However, according to Goal Arsenal have fitness concerns about the former Germany international while his lack of minutes at Bayern this season is also said to be influencing their thinking.

The north London club spent £130m in the summer and as a result are thought to have limited resources with which to invest in January. The Arsenal hierarchy are thought to favour a loan move but are also keen to avoid a repeat of the Denis Suarez situation of last January. Suarez arrived at Arsenal injured and barely made an impact during his six months at the club.

Dayot Upamecano and Merih Demiral have also been considered, the report continues, but neither appear to be realistic options for Arsenal this January. Currently, Arsenal have David Luiz, Sokratis, Rob Holding, Shkodran Mustafi and Dinos Mavrapanos to call upon, but many of these players come with their unique issues.

Mavrapanos has barely played for the Gunners in the last two years, while Mustafi’s poor displays caused the club to try and force through his sale in the summer. Meanwhile, Holding is just returning from a lenghty period out injured and the form of Sokratis and Luiz has only just improved in the past few weeks under new head coach Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal beat Leeds United 1-0 in the third round of the FA Cup on Monday courtesy of a second half goal from Reiss Nelson. The Gunners will play Bournemouth in the next round at the Vitality Stadium.