Arsenal-linked Joshua Kimmich has left his future up to Bayern Munich as his contracts nears its end.
The German midfield maestro could leave Bayern this summer for free if the club can't get him to sign a contract extension. Kimmich was reportedly close to leaving last season owing to frustrations with now-England manager Thomas Tuchel, but the introduction of Vincent Kompany effectively saved him.
Now, following the statement 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League, Kimmich has surprised fans of the German giants with a new statement on his much-talked-about future at the Allianz Arena.
When asked about contract negotiations with Bayern, the 30-year-old said: "A decision will be made soon. The ball is not in my court." It looks as though Kimmich is leaving his future in the hands of the club.
It is an interesting position for the midfielder as Bayern had already withdrawn a contract extension earlier on this season. A three-year deal was in place, but Kompany's side withdrew the offer as they felt Kimmich was taking too long deliberating over it.
For a club which ran out of patience with Kimmich once before, it gives mixed feelings as to whether they feel he wants to stay put or not. In turn, that offers up hope to possible suitors who are waiting for a decision to be made.
So far, according to German news publication BILD, PSG are the only team to have made a 'concrete offer' for the midfielder. Arsenal, despite being heavily linked to Kimmich, are yet to make a move.
What the Gunners won't want to happen, once again, is for them to delay a move long enough for it to completely fall through. Their hunt for a striker over two transfer windows hopefully is a lesson learnt as Kimmich could make a big improvement to their Premier League-chasing squad.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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