One of Europe’s best midfielders who is currently starring at Euro 2024 has now decided that he wants to join Arsenal this summer.
After unsuccessfully chasing Benjamin Sesko earlier this month, Arsenal are now said to be prioritising the addition of a midfielder who can complement Declan Rice.
Signing a new left-back is also seen as essential, and Edu could perhaps even add a new wide-forward to Mikel Arteta’s ranks too.
But signing a new number six, an upgrade on Jorginho and perhaps even a replacement for Thomas Partey, is the crucial deal.
And whilst Arsenal would reportedly be open to signing a number eight instead, Arteta’s preference would likely be to continue to use Rice in a more advanced role.
That being said, Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich is one of few players in world football who could elevate any team he arrived at.
And in a summer in which Kimmich could finally leave the Bundesliga, he is said to be very keen to join Arteta’s project at Arsenal.
Joshua Kimmich has been told he can leave Bayern and he wants Arsenal move
German journalist Florian Plettenberg shared the news late on Tuesday evening, explaining that Kimmich has been told he can leave under Vincent Kompany.
The Belgian wants to take his midfield in a different direction, aiming to sign Fulham’s Joao Palhinha, who was once linked with Arsenal himself.
And after explaining Kimmich’s position, the journalist reiterated that the German would be very keen to join Arsenal, along with four other sides.
Plettenberg shared: “As revealed and now confirmed again: Joshua Kimmich could leave FC Bayern already this summer!
“Kimmich, captain and regular starter, can leave the club with a suitable offer. No Bayern plans about a contract extension beyond 2025.
“Vincent Kompany with other plans for central midfield. Joao Palhinha, still the desired target!
“A separation between Kimmich/Bayern is getting closer. Now or next year at the latest. Kimmich would be ready to go into the final year of his contract.
“He only wants to join Man City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Real Madrid or Barcelona.”
Arsenal can’t let Kimmich join Man City
As much as Arsenal would massively benefit from the arrival of Kimmich themselves, it’s equally important that they try and prevent the midfielder from joining Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola once called Kimmich ‘outstanding’, a player who would even improve City’s starting eleven right now.
As well as his ability in midfield, Kimmich is also one of the world’s best right-backs, as he’s demonstrated whilst playing alongside Kai Havertz at Euro 2024.
And given that Arsenal do still need further additions at full-back, a move for £51m-rated Kimmich looks essential from so many angles.
All that being said, and with a focus on the Euros, Micah Richards has just been pointing out one area in which William Saliba needs to improve.
