Are Chelsea set to steal Jerome Boateng away from Bayern Munich this summer?

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According to reports coming from Germany, Antonio Conte is contemplating a move for Bayern Munich centre-back Jerome Boateng if a deal for Virgil van Dijk doesn’t materialise.

The Daily Mail allege that – following quotes published in Bild – should Chelsea opt against making a move for the highly-rated Southampton defender, then the German World Cup winner would be the Blues’ next target.

It is believed that Southampton’s sustained asking price of £50 million could prove to be too much for the newly-crowned champions and could force Conte to look further afield to recruit a defender.

And speaking after Bayern’s final game of the Bundesliga season last week it appeared that Boateng himself is unsure where his future lies next season, citing his frustrations at reduced action this year.

Talking to Sport Bild, the 28-year-old said:

“I don’t have anything else planned. There’s only a few clubs in the world with the appeal and tradition of Bayern Munich.

“I didn’t play much so it’s normal that I’m not entirely happy.

With Boateng’s previous links to the Premier League after his time spent at Manchester City earlier in his career, and with Chelsea’s top-flight success this season, there could be a temptation to make a switch.

What could Boateng add to Conte’s side at Stamford Bridge?

One thing that Boateng has in bags is top-level experience, winning everything that can possibly be won in a players’ career on both a domestic and international level through Bayern Munich and Germany.

Five Bundesliga titles, three DFB Pokals, one Champions League, one World Cup and even an FA Cup triumph with Manchester City back in 2011 make up an impressive list of honours from an illustrious career.

This ability to win, and the potential ability to bring this winning mentality to Stamford Bridge, would be something that Conte would be licking his lips about; in the big games, Boateng’s undoubtedly the man.

The 28-year-old is a breed of German defender that has a no-nonsense approach in his own third of the field, a player that loves a heavy challenge that lets the opposition know that they’re in a game.

His discipline in defence has grown immensely since his time spent under the reign of Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich and this is something that would lend him well in a tough Premier League.

In addition to this, there is a composure on the ball that has grown as a result of the influence from the current Manchester City boss – a composure that can make him a third defensive midfielder at times.

In the past the German has been better known for his erratic decision making and all-too frequent lapses in concentration, but in the last two years there’s no doubt that he has ironed these traits out.