Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been encouraged to make a summer move for Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich, who is highly sought after as contract negotiations with his current club appear to have hit a snag.
The German midfielder has made his mark in the Bundesliga since joining Bayern back in 2015, boasting an impressive collection of silverware including eight Bundesliga titles, three DFB-Pokals, and the prestigious 2020 Champions League trophy. With his contract set to expire at the end of the season and renewal talks stalling, Arsenal have displayed interest in acquiring the 30-year-old talent.
Former Tottenham Hotspur player Michael Dawson has highlighted Kimmich as an ideal successor to Thomas Partey and Jorginho in a discussion with Sky Sports. “I think he’s a very, very good player. He’s done it for a long time in Germany at the age of 30. His contract is coming to an end and it doesn’t look like it’s going to be renewed,” said Dawson.
“The reason Arsenal are probably looking at this is because you go, ‘Is Jorginho going to go? Is Thomas Partey going to go?’, so you need to replace them. And if he’s a free agent then you get the experience, the quality that he possesses and it’s a no-brainer really on that front.
“Kimmich, I can see why they would go for him, of course. The experience and what he could bring if those two players [Jorginho and Partey] do leave Arsenal. You’re bringing in someone who is tried and trusted… no-brainer.”
Partey and Jorginho are set to leave the Gunners this summer, with their deals expiring at the end of June. football.london understands progress has been made in a potential deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who could form somewhat of a dream midfield for Mikel Arteta, should both he and Kimmich join the club.
Bayern Munich have reportedly pulled their latest contract offer for Kimmich, who earns around £320,000 a week. Sky Germany suggests Arsenal have entered the fray, already engaging in discussions with an eager-to-listen Kimmich, reports the Mirror.
Max Eberl and Christoph Freund at Bayern have been told of the situation, and despite the uncertainty, sporting director Eberl retains optimism that an arrangement for Kimmich’s renewal can be sealed by the end of the season. “Generally speaking, nobody is above the club,” he told German newspaper Bild. “If a player decides differently, then he decides differently. Things will continue at FC Bayern. We are not at that point with Kimmich.
“I’ve never given updates on negotiations, won’t be doing that now either because that’s inappropriate. We treat each other with big respect – we’re talking. What’s important is how Josh and we as a club treat each other.”
