EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal make Joshua Kimmich a major summer target

Steve Kay

Updated: 2 Apr 2024 08:04 CDT
4 min read

Joshua Kimmich, Arsenal, Bayern — © IMAGO

FootballTransfers can reveal that Arsenal have approached Bayern Munich over the availability of Joshua Kimmich.

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We understand that the Gunners were told by Bayern that they will refuse to have any type of dialogue regarding a move for the versatile 29-year-old until the end of the season.

However, we are told that Kimmich is considered a concrete target for the summer and sources expect Arsenal's interest in the German to really heat up once the campaign has finished.

It is no secret that Mikel Arteta loves versatile players and the Gunners are in the market for someone who can feature at right-back as well as further forward.

Though Kimmich's preferred position is in central midfield, Bayern's vice-captain has recently been moved back into a full-back role for club and country.

Kimmich facing contract uncertainty

Kimmich is right at the top of Arsenal's shortlist of players who can play at right-back along with Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong, who will have a €40 million release clause in his contract in the summer.

Arsenal are well aware of Kimmich's contract situation, with the Bayern man only tied down until 2025. The player does not have an agent and is reportedly asking for a pay rise to be brought in line with top earner Harry Kane. Bavarian club chiefs, however, are reluctant to grant this given Bayern's poor season, believing that the previous regime was too generous in handing out big contracts.

German media have been reporting for months that Kimmich will be sold this summer if Bayern fail to agree fresh terms with him. Indeed, Sky Germany recently claimed that the player has five clubs in mind he would be open to joining in the upcoming window, with Arsenal making the cut.

Bayern don't necessarily want to lose Kimmich, but they will be open to suitable offers. Director of Sport Max Eberl recently revealed that Kimmich won't make a decision on his future until Bayern have a successor for Thomas Tuchel in place.

FootballTransfers can reveal that Kai Havertz spoke to Kimmich privately about a potential move during a previous international break, with Arsenal using this conversation to gauge the Bayern star's interest.

Kimmich's lack of an agent means that the north London club had to approach Bayern directly to learn about his availability.

Arsenal not looking at left-backs

Arsenal have also recently been linked with a move for a left-back, but we are told that this is wide off the mark. Though Oleksandr Zinchenko could be sold this summer, as revealed by FootballTransfers, Arsenal believe that they have more than enough options on the left.

Jakub Kiwior has done an adequate job in the absence of Zinchenko and Jurrien Timber is close to returning to full fitness, according to Mikel Arteta. FootballTransfers explained in October that Arteta views Timber as Arsenal's long-term left-back.

Arteta said of Timber earlier today (April 2): "He’s doing very well. He’s back training. He’s not far off. The thing is that last step. We’re going to have to feel it now. I would say he’s got a good chance [of playing before the end of the season]."