Arsenal plotting sensational £69m transfer hijack from under Man City’s nose as interest intensifies
Arsenal could have their work cut out in the summer transfer window as Mikel Arteta looks to bridge the gap between them and Manchester City.
While Pep Guardiola’s side have come out on top in the Premier League, Arsenal are set to lock horns with them again in the transfer market.
Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich has emerged as a player of interest for both clubs. With the player reportedly considering a summer exit, plenty of clubs have shown an interest.
While Bayern themselves haven’t been at their best this year, Kimmich is still one of the best holding midfielders in Europe.
Borussia Dortmund are in pole position to seal the Bundesliga title which could signal the start of a rebuild at Bayern.
Man City are looking at Kimmich as a potential Ilkay Gundogan replacement. The Bayern midfielder has worked under Guardiola before and would be a natural fit at the Etihad.
Despite Man City’s financial power, Football London have reported that Arsenal could yet hijack the move this summer.
The German midfielder is contracted with Bayern until 2025 and the club are seemingly reluctant to let him go.
It has been reported that a fee of around £69m could be enough to tempt Bayern, but Fabrizio Romano recently clarified the club’s situation.
“Understand Bayern stance on Joshua Kimmich, very clear: he’s untouchable and not on the market this summer,” the journalist explained on Twitter.
“Bayern have no intention to negotiate for Kimmich despite reports on Barca; also, they consider Joshua as crucial player for club’s project.”
Arsenal have midfield rebuild in mind
Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey have formed a fine partnership this season, but both players are now being linked with a move away.
The Swiss midfielder will soon clarify his future after links to Bayer Leverkusen have emerged. Elsewhere, Partey has also been linked with a move away.
There’s no doubt that Partey’s form has dipped towards the end of the campaign. However, he wouldn’t be an easy player to replace.
Along with Kimmich, the Gunners are also eyeing up West Ham’s Declan Rice. The Hammers midfielder continues to impress in the Premier League and would be a savvy addition this summer.
His contract with West Ham runs until 2024 and he looks more than likely to leave the club in the summer.
David Moyes has even recently admitted for the first time that Rice could leave. “We honestly hope he stays,” said Moyes told Sky Sports.
“We’d love for him to be a West Ham player but we are aware that might not be the case at the end of the season.
“So that’s one of the scenarios around planning. There are plans that we have Dec here but we’re also fully aware there is a good chance we won’t have him.”
Either Rice or Kimmich would be an excellent addition to Arteta’s squad for next season. Although it’s fair to say that neither player will come cheap.
