Arsenal in Talks to Sign Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich After Shock Contract Withdrawal

Arsenal are reportedly in discussions to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich on a free transfer this summer.

The German club have withdrawn their contract extension offer to Kimmich, leaving his future at the Allianz Arena uncertain.

Bayern Munich Withdraws Kimmich’s Contract Offer

Bayern Munich’s decision to retract their contract proposal to Kimmich, 30, stems from prolonged indecision on the player’s part.

Despite months of negotiations and an offer that reportedly included a salary increase from his current €20 million per year, Kimmich hesitated to commit, leading Bayern to pull the offer earlier this week.

The club seek clarity for future planning and have expressed the need for a prompt decision regarding Kimmich’s tenure.

🚨🔴 EXCL | For several days, Arsenal FC have been one of the clubs with a concrete interest in Joshua #Kimmich and have held talks ✔️

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

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) February 28, 2025

Arsenal’s Interest in Strengthening Midfield

In light of this development, Arsenal have shown concrete interest in acquiring Kimmich’s services.

Manager Mikel Arteta views the German international as a potential replacement for Jorginho, whose contract with the Gunners expires this summer.

Kimmich’s versatility and experience make him an attractive prospect for bolstering Arsenal’s midfield options.

The club are also heavily linked with Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, with some reports saying a deal is virtually agreed.

⚫️🔵 Inter are amongst the teams interested in Joshua Kimmich.

He can be a free transfer in the summer. PSG and Liverpool are also in the race.

📰 BILD pic.twitter.com/ZLOhdF0J0x

— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) February 27, 2025

Competition from Premier League Rivals

Arsenal are not alone in pursuing Kimmich. Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester City are also monitoring the situation closely.

Liverpool, in particular, may see Kimmich as a viable replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, should the latter move to Real Madrid.

Manchester City’s interest is partly due to manager Pep Guardiola, who originally signed Kimmich during his tenure at Bayern Munich.

Since joining from RB Leipzig in 2015, Kimmich has made over 420 appearances, winning eight Bundesliga titles and a Champions League in 2020.

While Bayern have withdrawn their initial contract offer, discussions between the club and Kimmich remain ongoing. The possibility of reaching a new agreement has not been entirely ruled out.

However, with top European clubs expressing interest, Kimmich’s future remains uncertain as the summer transfer window approaches.