Liverpool and Arsenal battle for Joshua Kimmich but Bayern Munich star has preference

Posted Tuesday, July 02, 2024 by Dailystar.co.uk

Bayern Munich ace Joshua Kimmich is unsettled and wants a transfer, with the Germany star already having made his preference clear once Euro 2024 is over

Liverpool and Arsenal battle for Joshua Kimmich but Bayern Munich star has preference
Joshua Kimmich has won it all at Bayern Munich and now he wants a new challenge (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Unsettled Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich is hell-bent on joining Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

Liverpool and Arsenal are also being heavily linked with a move for the German international, who has been ever-present for the hosts at the Euros. Liverpool would love to launch the new era under Dutch coach Arne Slot with the statement signing of Kimmich.

And Gunners counterpart Mikel Arteta is also keeping a close eye on developments in Munich as he looks to strengthen his squad on the right side. But it seems neither Premier League club stand a chance of winning the race to bag Kimmich, 29, once English champions City officially enter the equation.

Kimmich is desperate to be reunited with Guardiola - and has told his representatives he wants to head to the Etihad ahead of anywhere else. The Spanish coach was responsible for taking him from RB Leipzig to Bayern in January 2015 and the player wants another spell under him in England.

And it seems the feeling is mutual with Guardiola keen to work with Kimmich again. The fact the right-back can operate just as easily further forward in defensive midfield or as a wing-back makes him a huge asset for Guardiola’s squad.

Kimmich, who has won eight Bundesliga titles and the Champions League at Bayern, has persistently refused to sign a new deal as he searches for a fresh challenge. And the German giants, who appointed Vincent Kompany as their new coach last month, have now conceded defeat in trying to persuade him to stay.

With only a year left on his existing deal, Bayern have no option but to sell this summer - at a relative cut-price £30million - or risk losing him for nothing in 12 months’ time. Barcelona and Real Madrid are also interested but know that City, with the lure of all-conquering Guardiola, is Kimmich’s preferred destination.