As the new season fast approaches, the changes are happening in Munich. Earlier this week, Chilean international Arturo Vidal left Bavaria for Barcelona. Now, the focus has shifted squarely onto Jérôme Boateng.

Twitter has been awash with rumours of an imminent move away for the central defender, with his being linked to French champions Paris Saint-Germain among others. While Boateng himself has steered clear of the subject, there is a feeling that that the German champions are prepared to broker a deal.

Defensive linchpin

Boateng has been at Bayern for seven years, and during this time he has accumulated a handy collection of awards. Domestically, this includes six Bundesliga titles, three German cups and three DFL Super Cups. Internationally, the triple haul of Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA World Club Cup in 2013.

Add to this a World Cup winner's medal for Germany in 2014.

When fully fit, Boateng and Mats Hummels have been the linchpin of the defence for both Bayern and Germany. In recent seasons however, the 29 year old Berliner has been plagued with injury. In 2016/17 he suffered two setbacks, and played only 21 matches. Last season, a thigh injury almost scuppered his being picked for the World Cup.

Having made the German squad for the tournament in Russia, Boateng was less than convincing. A sketchy show against Mexico in the Mannschaft's opening tournament defeat was followed by a shocker against Sweden, when he was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.

Boateng watches Germany against South Korea from the stands, after his red card against Sweden

Commercial interests

Boateng is a popular player with FC Bayern fans, but this popularity has also created problems for the club. Like many other professional sportspeople, he has spent a lot of time cultivating his own personal brand - which has in turn created a rift with the management in Munich, particularly chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

Rummenigge had initially criticised Boateng in late 2016, suggesting he "come back down to earth" after a shocking Champions League outing against FC Rostov. In 2015, the player had signed up with American rapper Jay-Z, taking his commercial interests off the football pitch. From shoes to designer glasses, it was clear that Boateng's interests were not fully focused on football.

While there has been no obvious conflict between Boateng's commercial interests and his football, there surely has to be a downside to all of the time spent on these commitments, especially his frequent flights to the United States. Rummenigge has remained focused on the issue, to the point where he now seems happy with the idea to let the player go.

The right time to go

Having been a stalwart for the Bavarian club during one of its most successful spells in recent years, perhaps it is the right time for Boateng to go.

While his music and fashion marketing may just be a sideline, one cannot deny that it must have some impact on his performance. As a club chasing titles at the highest level, Bayern have to expect total commitment from every player. Given his recent drop in form and injury issues, a return of 50 million Euro sounds like a great deal.

If Paris are willing to shell out that much money, Rummenigge will surely be biting off their arm.

As for potential replacements, Bayern do not need to scour the market. In Niklas Süle, they have a young and ready German international who is set to make himself a fixture both at domestic and international level. In reserve, there is the versatile Javi Martínez.

Should Boa stay or go? Is Rummenigge right? Comment below...