Arsenal will have to shift their attentions away from Joshua Kimmich after reports emerged regarding the midfielder's imminent contract extension with Bayern Munich.
Kimmich's situation in Munich had evolved into a bit of a circus. With the season edging towards its final quarter, doubt remained as to whether the longtime Bayern star would extend his stay with the Rekordmeister having spent a decade at the Allianz Arena all while claiming endless pieces of silverware.
There had been a few murmurs of the 30-year-old potentially wanting to enjoy a new challenge, and the Gunners, who will rejuvenate their midfield this summer, were one of several clubs keen on signing Kimmich as a free agent.
It would've been a brilliant coup for Mikel Arteta, but the Germany skipper will not be heading to north London anytime soon.
Joshua Kimmich off Arsenal's radar with new contract imminent
🚨🔴 BREAKING | Total verbal agreement between FC Bayern and Joshua #Kimmich on a new contract until 2029!
Green light from the entire Bayern board. Final paperwork is in progress. Contracts are set to be signed this week, with the announcement planned soon.
Kimmich will extend… pic.twitter.com/dujxld6GNv
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) March 6, 2025
Florian Plettenberg was the first to break the news of Kimmich's contract extension on Thursday night. The Sky Germany reporter posted on X that the midfielder has reached a "total verbal agreement" with Bayern over a new deal which will run until 2029. An official announcement is expected soon.
Kimmich extending was always a strong possibility, but that's not to say I didn't get my hopes up after the initial links emerged. Nevertheless, Arsenal are bound to have a litany of midfield options to consider as they aim to replace Thomas Partey and Jorginho this summer. The pair are poised to move on as free agents with their contracts expiring in June.
Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi was earmarked as a potential summer arrival in January, but reports out of Spain suggest Real Madrid might enter the Zubimendi sweepstake. If they decide to part ways with Carlo Ancelotti and replace him with Xabi Alonso, Arsenal will find it tough to compete with Los Blancos for the Spanish midfielder's signature. Zubimendi has spoken previously of his desire to work with Alonso again after his experience with the Bayer Leverkusen manager while playing for Sociedad's reserves.
Before the club considers their summer business, it's imperative that they appoint a sporting director. Andrea Berta is regarded as the top candidate as it stands, but Arsenal are still mulling over their options. Jason Ayto is also believed to be in the picture. Given the importance of the appointment, the Gunners are right to take their time - but they can't take too long!
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