Joshua Kimmich: ‘Arsenal earmark cash for huge summer deal’
Joshua Kimmich is a target for Arsenal with his Bayern Munich contract set to expire at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
Sky Sports reported last week (28 February) that the Gunners have held talks over a potential move for the 30-year-old midfielder.
It is also claimed Arsenal are close to finalising a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who has an active release clause in his contract with the Basque club.
| Appearances (Starts) | 37 (37) |
| Minutes Played | 3283 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 10 |
| Yellow Cards | 5 |
Kimmich joined Bayern almost 10 years ago from RB Leipzig and has played 427 times for the German giants.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has shared his “gut feeling” on Arsenal pursuing a deal.
Arsenal will pursue big-money striker – not Kimmich
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness has claimed Arsenal are unlikely to make a move for the midfielder – as they have “earmarked” big money for the signing of a striker this summer.
Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus have led the line for Mikel Arteta’s side in recent years but the club’s supporters have been vocal in expressing the need to sign an upgrade.
Wyness claimed talk of a move for Kimmich may be part of a “cat and mouse” game with Bayern as he pushes for a new contract at the club.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “I think it would take a big offer.
“Do Arsenal really need another midfielder? I think there are other areas of the team where they need something else, and we all know where that is.
“Also, I think it’s just a game of cat and mouse with Bayern right now – they’ll end up carrying on.
“He’s going to be one of these one-club players, I feel. He is 30, so it would be a bit of a risk. If he is to move, it would have to be this year.
“Harry Kane did it at a similar age going the other way, so it can be done.
“There is potential for a deal to happen, but my gut feeling is that he will stay in Germany.
“I think it would take a lot of money for Arsenal to get him, and that money I think they have earmarked for a striker.”
Arsenal in ‘very advanced talks’ with transfer guru
Football Insider has revealed (6 March) that Arsenal’s appointment of former Atletico Madrid sporting director Andrea Berta is all but done.
Arteta’s side have been without a sporting director since Edu’s departure from Arsenal in November – following five years at the club.
Berta is set to take charge of recruitment for the Gunners with a new striker likely to be at the top of his agenda for this summer.
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