Bayern Munich set deadline for Joshua Kimmich to reopen contract talks | OneFootball

It has been a rollercoaster last few weeks for the Bavarian faithful when it comes to the contract situation of Joshua Kimmich at Bayern Munich. At the end of last week, it looked like the talks were moving in the right direction for a contract renewal.

However, earlier this week, several reports in Germany confirmed that Bayern have withdrawn the last contract offer made to Kimmich. The Bavarian club has been frustrated by the time taken by Kimmich since he has only four months left on his current deal.

Despite withdrawing the contract offer, doors are not completely shut over a contract renewal. The new deal depends on how quickly Kimmich makes a decision

According to SportBild journalists Christian Falk and Tobi Altschaffl (via iMiaSanMia), Bayern want Kimmich to make a decision before the Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday. A contract renewal will be unlikely if Kimmich doesn’t communicate his intentions to stay in Bavaria next week.

Signing-on fee is a sticking point between Bayern and Kimmich

The SportBild journalists have also reported that the signing-on fee has been a sticking point in the negotiations between Bayern and Kimmich. After Alphonso Davies got a signing-on fee worth €22 million and Jamal Musiala pocketed an eight-figure fee, Bayern offered a lower signing-on fee to Kimmich.

Kimmich reportedly has two offers on the table from clubs outside Germany. Arsenal have shown concrete interest in the German midfielder, while Paris Saint-Germain have been a keen admirer of Kimmich over the last two years.

If Kimmich doesn’t make a final decision in the coming days, several big clubs will start exploring a free transfer for him. Bayern will also start putting plans in place to find a replacement for the German midfielder. The Bavarian club has an interest in Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, but Arsenal are also working on a deal to sign the Spaniard in the summer.

It will be a massive shame if Bayern end up losing Kimmich on a free transfer. The German international has been a consistent performer for the team and Vincent Kompany this season. He missed his first league game of the season on Friday due to injury, which highlights his importance in the squad.

Moreover, Kimmich is a leader in the dressing room. His departure will leave a massive hole in the squad, which will be difficult to fill in the transfer window. The Bavarian faithful will hope both parties will sort out their differences and eventually agree on a new deal in the coming days.