Bayern Munich informed Jerome Boateng they aren’t going to let him leave the club in January, according to reports in Germany.

MUNICH, GERMANY - DECEMBER 14: Jerome Boateng of FC Bayern Muenchen runs with the ball during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and SV Werder Bremen at Allianz Arena on December 14, 2019, in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY – DECEMBER 14: Jerome Boateng of FC Bayern Muenchen runs with the ball during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and SV Werder Bremen at Allianz Arena on December 14, 2019, in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images)

Christian Falk reports that Bayern told Boateng he can’t leave the club this month. They believe their squad is too small to deal with another defensive departure at this stage.

Previously, all the reports hinted at Bayern willingness to let Boateng leave for the right price. The fee was €15m, and the player reportedly wanted a move.

The media strongly linked Arsenal and AC Milan with the potential transfer. Arsenal are focusing on loan deals this window, and they apparently enquired over Boateng’s availability for a temporary transfer.

It seems the Boateng avenue is a dead end though. Bayern don’t want him to leave, and prior reports of their indifference to his departure were the only reason the rumour was plausible in the first place.

Boateng is up to 15 competitive appearances for the season, picking up five yellow cards and one red. Bayern haven’t given him much consistency in the team this campaign so far, putting him in the starting lineup 13 times versus on the bench 10 times.

Clearly, they still think he’s an important part of their squad. Arsenal need to look elsewhere.