Arsenal's Transfer Hopes Shattered as Joshua Kimmich Edges Closer to Bayern Contract Extension
Arsenal’s pursuit of Joshua Kimmich appears to be falling apart as the Bayern Munich midfielder moves closer to securing a long-term future with the German champions. The Gunners, keen on reinforcing their midfield, had identified Kimmich as a prime target, but Bayern are determined to keep hold of their star player. With negotiations progressing, Arsenal’s dream of bringing the versatile midfielder to the Premier League is fading.
Mikel Arteta’s side is on the lookout for midfield reinforcements as the contracts of Thomas Partey and Jorginho near expiration. The north London club had hoped to capitalize on the uncertainty surrounding Kimmich’s future by engaging in early discussions with his representatives. The plan was to make an ambitious push for his signature, offering him the chance to play in England’s most competitive league while leading a team on the rise.
However, fresh reports from Germany suggest that Bayern Munich have taken swift action to ensure Kimmich remains in Bavaria. The Bundesliga giants have reportedly presented a lucrative contract extension, stretching until 2028, with an annual salary in the range of €20 million (£17m/$21m) to €22m (£18m/$23m) gross. This offer places Kimmich among the highest earners at the club, signaling Bayern’s commitment to keeping their midfield maestro at the heart of their project.
Arsenal’s Ambitious Move Falls Apart
Arsenal’s pursuit of Kimmich was not a mere transfer rumor; it was part of an aggressive recruitment strategy aimed at elevating the squad to the next level. Arteta and sporting director Edu Gaspar had identified Kimmich’s leadership qualities, tactical intelligence, and versatility as key attributes that could transform Arsenal’s midfield. His ability to control the tempo, dictate play, and seamlessly switch between defensive and attacking roles made him an ideal fit for Arteta’s philosophy.
Despite Arsenal’s interest, Bayern Munich never showed any real intention of parting ways with their star. The club has always been reluctant to sell key players, especially those who embody the club’s philosophy and leadership on the pitch. Kimmich, a six-time Bundesliga winner and a Champions League champion, remains a central figure in Bayern’s setup, and the club sees him as irreplaceable.
Sky Germany reports that Kimmich himself has no strong desire to leave, making Arsenal’s chances of signing him even slimmer. While he had remained coy about his future in previous months, the midfielder has now openly stated that he expects his contract situation to be resolved soon.
Kimmich’s Statement and Bayern’s Stance
Following Bayern’s dominant 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League round-of-16 first leg, Kimmich addressed his contract situation, suggesting that a decision was imminent.
“A decision will definitely be made soon. The ball is not in my court. My plan was to do it before the international break. The club wanted it before the two Leverkusen games. I’m noticing that Max [Eberl] is honest and is fighting,” Kimmich told German media outlet t-online.
His words indicate that Bayern’s sporting director, Max Eberl, has played a crucial role in convincing him to extend his stay at the Allianz Arena. While Arsenal had hoped to tempt him with the prospect of a fresh challenge in England, Kimmich appears to have made up his mind about continuing his journey with Bayern.
When asked about the midfielder’s contract negotiations, Bayern’s honorary president Uli Hoeness remained tight-lipped, offering only a brief response.
“We only drank coffee,” Hoeness said when questioned by Sky Germany. When pressed for additional details, he declined to comment further, stating, “I’m not saying anything about that. It’s not my job to talk to the press about it.”
Despite the lack of public confirmation, all signs point toward an agreement being reached in the coming weeks, effectively ending Arsenal’s hopes of signing Kimmich.
What This Means for Arsenal
With Kimmich seemingly off the market, Arsenal must now shift their focus to alternative midfield targets. The Gunners cannot afford to be left scrambling for reinforcements, especially with Partey and Jorginho set to depart.
Declan Rice has been a revelation since his big-money move from West Ham last summer, but Arsenal need another high-quality option to partner him in midfield. Martin Odegaard thrives in an advanced role, while Rice excels in breaking up play and driving forward. However, Arteta needs a player capable of controlling the tempo and dictating the game, a role Kimmich would have filled perfectly.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0