Manchester City, Arsenal and Barcelona are all keeping a close watch as Joshua Kimmich looks to sort out his future before he heads into the Euro, as per BILD (h/t Sport).
The two parties had held some basic talks back in March and according to Sky Deutschland (h/t Fussball Transfers), Kimmich’s representatives are going to hold further talks with Bayern’s management. The midfielder’s contract expires in 2025 and if Joshua Kimmich is not ready to put pen on paper then Bayern Munich will offload him in the coming months.
Bayern are pushing for Kimmich to sign a new deal but their stance is very clear, if he is not ready to commit his future then the Bavarians won’t take him into the final year of his contract and risk losing him as a free agent.
His current market value is €60 million but with just over a year remaining on his deal Bayern will have to accept a transfer fee within this range.
Which one of the three clubs is more likely to sign Joshua Kimmich?
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is eager to reunite with Kimmich because the German international can help take the load off Rodri’s shoulders next season. Kimmich is also capable of playing at right-back meaning if Man City can land him then Kyle Walker will also get a proper backup.
Pep had coached him during his three-year stay with Bayern Munich so the pair share a very good relationship.
Arsenal are also keen to bring Joshua Kimmich on board as Thomas Partey’s direct replacement and if the Gunners can win the Premier League they will make a great case for themselves.
However, it’s Barcelona who are said to be the favourites to land the 29-year-old because Kimmich seems to be very fond of Xavi and he is willing to work with him. If Barcelona can gather the funds required to sign him then neither Man City nor Arsenal will be able to get a look in. Kimmich is not exactly the kind of central midfielder that Barcelona are looking to sign right now but if Frenkie de Jong is sold then the Bayern man won’t be a bad alternative.
Will the 29Y/O sign a new deal?
Joshua Kimmich has shown no discontent at Bayern Munich and with Thomas Tuchel set to leave, there’s a fair chance that he might actually stick around.
However, it’s almost inevitable that he is going demand a long-term contract along with improved wages and that’s something that Bayern will be reluctant to pay.
If the talks hit a brick wall in the coming weeks then the Bavarians will immediately put Joshua Kimmich up for sale because, with so many big clubs interested in him, this is the ideal time to bring in a suitable transfer fee.
