Bayern Munich will not stand in Joshua Kimmich’s way if he wants to leave this summer, with strong interest from the Premier League.
talkSPORT understands Arsenal have held talks with the versatile German star who could be available on a free transfer, while Liverpool are no longer in the race.
Kimmich sees his contract at Bayern Munich expire at the end of the season which would bring an end to a decade-long stay at the club.
It was reported this week that Bayern withdrew their offer of a new contract for the 30-year-old – news that has now been confirmed by sporting director Max Eberl.
The Bayern chief spoke to the media after Friday night’s 3-1 victory over Stuttgart, where all the talk after the game was about Kimmich’s future.
“If the truth is out there in public, then that’s how it is,” he said.
“Generally, no one is above the club. If a player decides differently, then he decides differently. Then things will continue at FC Bayern.
“There were great players here at FC Bayern who eventually had to leave the club because they couldn’t reach an agreement and their contracts ran out. Then it all just keeps happening.
“But we are not at that point. That was speaking very generally.”
It is said negotiations have taken place over the past few months but Kimmich has hesitated to put pen to paper on an agreement.
Talks remain ongoing, but there is an increased chance that the German international could leave in the summer transfer window.
Arsenal have taken the steps to express their interest by holding talks with Kimmich ahead of the market reopening.
However, it is also understood that Premier League rivals Manchester City are also monitoring the German.
Liverpool were also believed to be keeping tabs on Kimmich’s contract situation at Bayern, but talkSPORT understands the Reds have no plans to follow up their interest with a formal move.
“There is a lot of speculation,” added Eberl. “I have never commented on the interim results. I am not doing that now either, because that is not appropriate. We treat each other with great respect and we talk.
“What is important is how Josh and we as a club treat each other. That is on an equal footing and very respectful.”
Arsenal are set to see Jorginho and Thomas Partey leave the club this summer upon the expiration of their contracts.
Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino would remain as their central midfield options, although Kai Havertz has also played there.
talkSPORT reported last month that Arsenal have held talks at an advanced stage for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
The Spaniard looks set to join in a £51million move in the summer and could be one of two midfield arrivals alongside Kimmich.
Kimmich can also play at right-back – a position both Liverpool and City may need to strengthen this summer with Trent Alexander-Arnold widely expected to join Real Madrid and Kyle Walker also set to leave Man City after his loan spell at AC Milan.
The Germany nation team captain has made 426 appearances for Bayern across ten-year spell with the giants, having joined in 2015 from fellow Bundesliga side RB Leipzig,
He has won the German league title eight times, with a ninth looking likely this season as Bayern sit top of the table, and was also part of their Champions League winning squad in 2020 as he was crowned UEFA’s Defender of the Season.
Kimmich has won 97 caps for Germany, with a century of international appearances due to be achieved this year.
