Joshua Kimmich of Bayern Munich in action during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and RB Leipzig at Allianz Arena on May 20, 2023 in Munich, Germany.

Arsenal report: Joshua Kimmich set for astonishing move, following big transfer u-turn

July 19, 2023 Sports 12 Views

Arsenal could be set to move for Bayern Munich superstar Joshua Kimmich in a bid to complete their squad.

The Gunners are currently out in the United States ahead of their fixture against the MLS All-Stars in which several new signings will be on show. Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz have all joined for a combined £200 million, while Mikel Arteta has stressed that more transfers could yet be made.

Thomas Partey is linked with an exit – and now, Bayern’s change of policy could allow star midfielder Joshua Kimmich to leave.

Kicker journalist Georg Holzner has revealed that the Bavarians no longer regard the previously untouchable Kimmich as unsellable anymore, with a price tag believed to be as low as £51m placed on the superstar.

Originally starting life as a right-back, the German has adapted to a midfield role following Thiago Alcantara’s Allianz Arena exit. Having excelled there over the last few years, however, the serial German title winners could cut ties this summer with Kimmich – and as Spanish outlet Marca reported in May, Mikel Arteta is a fan of the star.

Kimmich could slot into midfield alongside Declan Rice, with a back three of Ben White, William Saliba and Gabriel behind, in Arteta’s 3-2-4-1 build-up. The other two players in the box midfield would comprise of captain Martin Odegaard and one of Emile Smith Rowe or Kai Havertz.

While Kimmich would be a canny addition to the side, however, Arsenal wouldn’t be the only ones looking to add the German to their squad. Manchester City could well do a deal with Bayern on the back of selling them either Kyle Walker or Joao Cancelo. Barcelona are noted admirers and Manchester United still covert a second phase specialist in midfield.

Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta is interviewed before the Arsenal training session at George Mason University on July 17, 2023 in Washington, DC.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could reshape things with a player as good as Kimmich to add to his side (Image credit: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Holzner added that offers for Kimmich’s team-mate of club and country, Leon Goretzka, would also be considered.

Kimmich is valued by Transfermarkt to be worth around €75m.