Arsenal have held discussions with Joshua Kimmich about a potential free transfer this summer, according to talkSPORT.
The Bayern Munich midfielder’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, marking the possible end of his ten-year tenure at the club.
On Thursday, reports confirmed that Bayern had withdrawn their contract offer for the 30-year-old. Although negotiations have been ongoing for months, Kimmich has yet to commit to a new deal.
With an increasing likelihood that the German international will depart in the summer, Arsenal have stepped forward by engaging in talks ahead of the transfer window reopening.
The Gunners are preparing for the departures of Jorginho and Thomas Partey, whose contracts expire this summer. That would leave Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, and Mikel Merino as their key midfield options, while Kai Havertz has also been deployed in the role.
Last month, talkSPORT reported that Arsenal had entered advanced talks to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi in a £51 million deal. If completed, Zubimendi and Kimmich could be the club’s two major midfield additions.
Kimmich also offers versatility by playing at right-back—a position that both Liverpool and Manchester City may look to reinforce. Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold is heavily linked with Real Madrid, while Kyle Walker could leave City following his loan at AC Milan.
The Germany captain has made 426 appearances for Bayern since joining from RB Leipzig in 2015, securing eight Bundesliga titles—with a ninth potentially on the way this season.
Kimmich was also part of Bayern’s 2020 Champions League-winning squad and was named UEFA’s Defender of the Season. He has earned 97 caps for Germany and is on course to reach 100 international appearances this year.