Arsenal board have concerns with Mikel Arteta's top January target

Arsenal's hierarchy are reportedly concerned over manager Mikel Arteta's apparent interest in signing Jerome Boateng from the ranks of Bayern Munich.

The Gunners have barely kept clean sheets through the campaign but their defensive record has improved under Arteta with three shutouts in the four games under his management.

Boateng has recently emerged as the top target for Arteta as he looks to provide cover for the injured Calum Chambers but it appears that the board are not particularly pleased with the pursuit.

According to Goal.com, the Gunners chiefs are worried about the fact that Boateng has been sparingly used by Bayern (nine league appearances) and feel that he may not prove a worthwhile purchase.

Arteta is looking to either loan out or offload 12 first-team players this month, as per various reports and Shkodran Mustafi is one of the defenders, who is expected to head through the exit door.

The north London giants may only entertain permanent deals for the Germany international with the board clearly indicating that Arteta will need to recoup funds from player sales.