Arsenal and Liverpool are reportedly set to face off in the pursuit of Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich.
Arsenal and Liverpool are gearing up for a high-stakes battle to secure the signature of Joshua Kimmich, with the Bayern Munich star now free to negotiate with foreign clubs ahead of a potential summer move.
The 30-year-old, whose contract with Bayern Munich expires at the end of the season, has not been offered an extension, meaning he could leave the Bundesliga giants as a free agent. With interest mounting from the Premier League and Barcelona also keeping tabs on his situation, Kimmich’s future has become one of the hottest talking points in European football.
Arsenal, eager to bolster their midfield, view Kimmich as an ideal addition, especially with both Jorginho and Thomas Partey potentially departing when their contracts expire in the summer. Mikel Arteta is a known admirer of the German international, who offers versatility by excelling both as a deep-lying playmaker and as an inverted full-back.
A gamechanging Bosman deal
Liverpool are also in the mix, looking to strengthen their midfield after missing out on reinforcements last summer. With an ageing midfield and some uncertainty surrounding their squad composition, Kimmich represents a valuable opportunity to add experience, leadership, and tactical flexibility.
According to The Sun, there is also speculation that Kimmich could be seen as a possible replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, should the England full-back decide to make a shock switch to Real Madrid. While Liverpool will fight to keep Alexander-Arnold, securing Kimmich would provide them with an elite-level midfielder who can also slot into the right-back role when required.
Meanwhile, Barcelona remain in the background, hoping for a reunion between Kimmich and their current boss Hansi Flick, who previously managed him at Bayern Munich. However, the Catalan club’s well-documented financial struggles could hinder their ability to compete with Premier League sides in a bidding war for his wages.
Who needs Joshua Kimmich more?
Kimmich’s experience at the highest level, including winning the Bundesliga multiple times and lifting the Champions League with Bayern Munich, makes him a coveted asset for any top club. His ability to dictate play from deep, break opposition lines, and contribute defensively adds immense value to any team.
For Arsenal, signing Kimmich would add a world-class presence to their midfield, especially if they fail to secure Martin Zubimendi, who has also been linked with a £51 million move to North London. His versatility would also allow Arteta more tactical flexibility, potentially replacing Oleksandr Zinchenko or Jakub Kiwior, who could be sold to generate funds.
For Liverpool, the player’s arrival could mark the beginning of their midfield’s next evolution, offering a seasoned alternative to their existing options while reinforcing their depth in multiple positions.
Both Arsenal and Liverpool could greatly benefit from Kimmich’s arrival, but Arsenal may have a stronger case for prioritising his signing. With their midfield undergoing a transition and their squad looking to compete consistently at the top, adding a player of his caliber could be a game-changer.
Liverpool, on the other hand, might view him as more of a luxury signing rather than an absolute necessity, depending on how their squad shapes up in the summer.
