Arsenal are discussing the possibility of signing one of Bayern Munich’s leading stars on a free transfer in the summer, according to reports.
The Bundesliga giants are believed to have withdrawn a contract offer of their own to the 30-year-old Germany international, meaning he would be able to move on at the end of the season.
It had been previously reported that the Bavarian giants had come to an agreement with the midfielder, with claims emerging that the player had made a decision to remain in his motherland.
However, it is understood that due to hesitation on Joshua Kimmich’s side over the offer put in front of him, the Bundesliga giants have since decided to retract the deal.
And now the Gunners have swooped in and held talks over acquiring the midfielder, according to Sky in Germany.
Mikel Arteta’s side have a ‘concrete interest’ in Kimmich, which is believed to be the reason for his decision to hold back on extending his deal at Bayern.
Arsenal are believed to have ‘concrete interest’ in Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich
The Gunners have a ‘concrete interest’ in Kimmich after Bayern Munich reportedly withdrew their contract offer to the midfielder
Kimmich would be seen as a replacement for Jorginho, whose contract expires at the end of the season
The German international would be seen as a replacement for Jorginho, with the Italian set to leave the club in the summer upon the expiration of his contract.
Previously, it was revealed that runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool have also expressed an interest in Kimmich as Arne Slot looks to strengthen his midfield.
The midfielder has reportedly informed Bayern of the offers he has on the table as his team still attempts to negotiate an extension with the German giants.
As per the report by Sky, the prospect of Kimmich staying in Bayern is not completely out of the question, despite the supposed contract withdrawal.
A veteran of 97 caps for Germany, Kimmich has won 20 major trophies since joining Bayern from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2015 including eight Bundesliga titles.
He has appeared over 420 times for the Bavarian outfit, also winning the Champions League back in 2020.
However, the impasse over a contract renewal has left Kimmich seemingly on his way to the exit door, with Arsenal seemingly looking to bring the star to north London.
The Gunners have also been heavily linked with a number of strikers heading into the summer, as they have been for several windows in recent memory.
In January, Liverpool were interested in bringing the German star to Anfield in order to bolster their midfield line
Arsenal search for a striker has led them to Alexander Isak (left) and Ollie Watkins (right)
However, it seems Mikel Arteta is interested in bringing in another midfielder in the summer
An injury to Kai Havertz on the club’s mid-season trip to Dubai currently leaves them without a recognised No 9, with Mikel Merino filling in for the time being.
Alexander Isak has been linked numerous times with the Gunners, while the north London club made a shock bid to bring Ollie Watkins to the capital in January.
Nevertheless, it seems a new midfielder is high on the list of Arteta’s requirements, despite Arsenal’s struggles in the final third.
Kimmich will take on German rivals Bayer Leverkusen in the Last 16 of the Champions League next week as Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich look to challenge for Europe’s biggest crown.
