Arsenal have identified Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich as a potential replacement for Thomas Partey.
The Gunners are set to lose Partey as his contract expires at the end of the season. After five years with the club, the midfielder hasn’t yet been in reported talks to extend his deal at the Emirates.
But seeing as the Ghana international has made 39 appearances for Arsenal this season, Mikel Arteta will want to replace the 31-year-old, who has played as a defensive midfielder and a right-back this season.
However, they have now reportedly identified their replacement as Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich, who is also due to become a free agent at the end of the season.
According to German Journalist Florian Plettenberg, Kimmich has received two written offers from abroad, which is why he is yet to sign a new contract at Bayern. It is understood that Arsenal’s interest is concrete, and they could be one of the two offers.
🚨🔴 EXCL | For several days, Arsenal FC have been one of the clubs with a concrete interest in Joshua #Kimmich and have held talks ✔️
Gunners would like to sign him on a free transfer as a possible replacement for Jorginho. Kimmich now has received two written offers from… pic.twitter.com/wy8s4lZoSi
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) February 28, 2025
Plettenberg said on X: “Kimmich now has received two written offers from abroad. One from the Premier League. That’s the main reason why he is hesitating to sign a new deal with Bayern at least until 2028 and a salary of €20-22m gross/year.
“Kimmich has informed Bayern about the offers. But from Kimmich’s camp, it is said that discussions with Eberl/Freund are still ongoing. For Kimmich an agreement on a new contract remains possible and Bayern are ready to negotiate again, but now only willing to pay the same amount or less.”
The German international has made 36 appearances for Bayern this season, scoring one goal and providing 10 assists in all competitions.
Arsenal face competition to sign Kimmich
The Gunners aren’t the only team in the Premier League to have a reported interest in the midfielder. Man City were strongly linked to him earlier in the season as a replacement for Rodri, who has been out injured since September.
La Liga side Barcelona are also reportedly interested in Kimmich as they look to win their first league title since the 2022/23 season under manager Xavi.
Liverpool were said to be keen on the 30-year-old, however, their interested has cooled in recent months as they are keen to prioritise other positions of need before centre-midfield.
