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Arsenal target Joshua Kimmich who can now agree pre-contract

Joshua Kimmich remains a potential target for Arsenal as the Bayern Munich star enters the final months of his contract.

The 29-year-old midfielder, valued at €50 million, is one of seven Bayern players whose deals expire at the end of the season, making him free to negotiate with other clubs as of January 1.

Kimmich, who has been at Bayern since 2015, is reportedly weighing his future carefully. Earning €20 million per year (€384,000-per-week), the German international spent his Christmas break considering his next steps with his family according to Bild’s Thursday edition.

Kimmich and Sané can now negotiate their way out BILD Hannover 2 Jan 2025 Author: David Verhoff Joshua Kimmich (29), with a current market value of €50 million, has been at Bayern Munich since 2015. Leroy Sané (28), signed from Manchester City in 2020 for €49 million, is now valued at €45 million. Both players are among seven Bayern Munich stars whose contracts expire at the end of the season. The list also includes captain Manuel Neuer (38), backup goalkeeper Sven Ulreich (36), veteran Thomas Müller (35), left-back Alphonso Davies (24), and defender Eric Dier (30). While Neuer and Ulreich are expected to sign new deals, the remaining five players are free to negotiate with other clubs for summer moves as of January 1. Kimmich, who earns around €20 million per year, reportedly spent his Christmas holiday deliberating his future with his family. Clubs like Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Barcelona can now make formal offers, and Paris Saint-Germain could also reignite their interest. Bayern Munich is eager to have clarity after the team's training resumes today. Davies has been linked with Real Madrid, while rumours also suggest Manchester United could enter the race. Sané, who currently earns a similar salary to Kimmich, is unlikely to receive the same lucrative deal if he renews with Bayern. The German international is said to be willing to accept Bayern's wage-reduction strategy, which aims to cut salaries by 20%. However, Spanish outlet Sport reports that Hansi Flick and Barcelona are interested in the winger, and Arsenal is monitoring his situation. Müller, meanwhile, remains undecided about continuing his career beyond this season. Dier’s future looks increasingly uncertain. While he was a defensive mainstay under Thomas Tuchel, the Englishman has been relegated to the bench under Vincent Kompany, making his departure highly plausible.
Kimmich and Sané can now negotiate their way out BILD Hannover 2 Jan 2025 Author: David Verhoff

Bayern Munich are eager for clarity, but with clubs like Manchester City, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain ready to make formal offers, the decision rests firmly with the player.

For Arsenal, the prospect of signing a player of Kimmich’s calibre on a free transfer is particularly appealing. Known for his versatility, leadership, and technical quality, Kimmich could bring immense value to an Arsenal side looking to strengthen their midfield.

His ability to operate as a defensive midfielder, playmaker, or even as a right-back aligns with Mikel Arteta’s tactical demands and provides depth in key positions.

MUNICH, GERMANY: Joshua Kimmich of FC Bayern München runs with the ball during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and 1. FSV Mainz 05 at Allianz Arena on March 09, 2024. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

Kimmich is not the only Bayern player drawing attention. Alphonso Davies, linked with Real Madrid, and Leroy Sané, a former Manchester City star, have also been named in transfer speculation. Sané is reportedly willing to accept Bayern’s 20% wage-reduction strategy but has attracted interest from Arsenal and Barcelona.

The situation at Bayern is compounded by other contract uncertainties. While Manuel Neuer and Sven Ulreich are expected to renew, veterans Thomas Müller and Eric Dier face unclear futures.

MUNICH, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 02: Leroy Sane of FC Bayern München looks on during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and 1. FC Union Berlin at Allianz Arena on November 02, 2024 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

Müller has yet to decide whether he will continue playing, while Dier, previously a defensive mainstay under Thomas Tuchel, has seen his role diminish under Vincent Kompany, making a summer departure likely.

Kimmich, however, remains the crown jewel of Bayern’s expiring contracts. His consistent performances over the years and ability to influence games at the highest level make him a coveted asset.

For Arsenal, his signing would represent a significant statement of intent, strengthening their squad with a player who combines elite quality with invaluable experience.

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