Arsenal have reportedly held talks over a free transfer for Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich following an impasse in contract talks with the German giants.
The long-serving Bavarian star is currently free to hold discussions with foreign teams after entering the final six months of his agreement with the Bundesliga leaders in January.
Bayern were previously believed to have been close to striking an agreement with Kimmich over a new contract, only to withdraw their offer earlier this week due to his hesitation, putting several European giants on red alert.
Manchester City, Manchester United and Barcelona are believed to be among Kimmich's chief suitors, but according to journalist Florian Plettenberg, Arsenal have also shown a concrete interest.
Kimmich 'receives two written offers' amid Arsenal links
© Imago
Plettenberg claims that the Gunners have already held talks over a summer move for the Germany international, who has already been presented with two 'written offers' from interested clubs.
It is not clear which clubs have made those formal approaches, but it is said that Kimmich has received one proposal from an unnamed Premier League club and another from a team in a foreign division.
As a result, the former Stuttgart man is currently mulling over whether to sign his new three-year deal at the Allianz Arena, which would see him pocket between €20m (£16.5m) and €22m (£18.2m) per year.
Kimmich's camp have supposedly informed Bayern Munich of the offers from elsewhere, but all options remain on the table, and the versatile midfielder could still sign an extension with Vincent Kompany's side.
However, Bayern will not be offering the 30-year-old an improvement on their current proposal, and while they are prepared to sit down with him again, they will only be prepared to pay him the same salary or a lower amount.
A £7m acquisition from Stuttgart in 2015, Kimmich has registered 43 goals and 114 assists in 426 appearances for Bayern Munich across all competitions, including one strike and 10 helpers from 36 outings this season.
Where would Kimmich fit in at Arsenal?
🚨🔴 EXCL | For several days, Arsenal FC have been one of the clubs with a concrete interest in Joshua #Kimmich and have held talks ✔️
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) February 28, 2025
Gunners would like to sign him on a free transfer as a possible replacement for Jorginho. Kimmich now has received two written offers from... pic.twitter.com/wy8s4lZoSi
Arsenal stand to lose both Jorginho and potentially Thomas Partey at the end of the season, and Plettenberg claims that the Gunners view Kimmich as an ideal replacement for the former, who is believed to be closing in on a switch to Brazilian giants Flamengo.
However, Arsenal are already believed to be working on a £51m deal for Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi, who would no doubt also arrive to succeed Partey and Jorginho in the number six position.
As a result, Kimmich and Zubimendi may have to engage in a weekly battle for starts in the number six position if both arrive at the Emirates, although the former is also known for his exceptional qualities as a right-back.
Arsenal currently have Jurrien Timber and Ben White available on that side, but Kimmich's signing would give the former two more scope to deputise centrally if William Saliba or Gabriel Magalhaes are ever in need of a rest.
Ben Knapton
