EXCLUSIVE: Joshua Kimmich to Arsenal truth revealed

Steve Kay

Updated: 28 Feb 2025 16:43 GMT
3 min read

Joshua Kimmich, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Arsenal held talks with Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich but have since cooled their interest in signing the Germany international, FootballTransfers understands.

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Mikel Arteta’s side made a play to sign Kimmich in April 2024 but were knocked back by the Bundesliga giants, who told the Gunners to revisit the case at the end of the season. When that time rolled around, Arsenal did not follow up their initial interest.

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Current ETV

Joshua Kimmich

DM (C), D (R)

Bayern

Joshua Kimmich

DM (C), D (R)

Bayern

ETV Range

€31.4M - €38.3M

Sources have subsequently told FootballTransfers that the Gunners are seeking to recruit younger players in that area of the field and are not currently targeting an experienced figure like the Bayern star.

Arsenal have already moved for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, a deal that is close to completion, while they also lead the way for Rosenborg wonderkid Sverre Nypan. On top of this, Thomas Partey has been offered a new deal and the idea is for Kai Havertz to play a deeper role more regularly next season.

While Kimmich can also feature in the right-back area, the Gunners are well stocked in that particular zone.

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© IMAGO - Joshua Kimmich, Bayern Munich, 2024/25

Kimmich wants Munich stay

The 30-year-old is seeking wage parity with Bayern Munich’s top earners, meaning that he is asking for a contract worth €20-25m per year, reports from Germany state.

Although FCB have withdrawn their latest contract offer to the player, the indications are that Kimmich is settled in Munich with his family and, ideally, does not want to move. This is despite stating that the “trust is lost” between him and the club last season.

On top of this, he is not the type of player that Arsenal typically move for. The Gunners are typically reticent to sign players over 30 on multi-year deals, particularly when there are big-money contracts involved, such as the one Kimmich is likely to ask for.