Bayern Munich star set to turn down summer move to Arsenal | OneFootball

Joshua Kimmich’s Future: Bayern or Paris?

A Defining Decision for Kimmich and Bayern

Joshua Kimmich has long been a cornerstone of Bayern Munich, a player whose leadership and consistency have set the tone in midfield. Now, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, a critical decision looms. According to Bild, Kimmich’s future is down to two options: remain at Bayern or make the move to Paris Saint-Germain.

The possibility of an extension with Bayern remains very much alive. Despite recent tensions and delays in negotiations, there are optimistic voices within the club who believe an agreement can still be reached. However, PSG have made their intentions clear, presenting Kimmich with a formal offer.

Is a Move to Paris Realistic?

While PSG’s interest is concrete, it remains to be seen whether Kimmich is willing to uproot his family and make the move to France. Last summer, he opted against a transfer to Paris, and there are no strong indications that his stance has changed.

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Arsenal have been loosely linked, but at present, their pursuit appears to have cooled. As things stand, the decision is a straight contest between Bayern and PSG.

Bayern’s Internal Struggles Add Complexity

Bayern’s handling of the situation has been far from straightforward. Talks between Kimmich and club officials, including Max Eberl and Christoph Freund, have continued, with discussions centring on a potential four-year deal. However, divisions within the club’s hierarchy have complicated negotiations.

Eberl’s role in the negotiations has been scrutinised, with sections of Bayern’s supervisory board questioning his handling of key contract discussions, including those involving Jonathan Tah, Alphonso Davies, and Jamal Musiala. Some within the club feel the Kimmich saga has dragged on too long, and there is frustration at the lack of clarity.

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What Happens Next?

A decision is expected soon. Bayern hope to finalise an agreement before the upcoming international break on 17 March, with an even more ambitious goal of securing an extension before their Champions League ties against Bayer Leverkusen.

Ultimately, the final say rests with Bayern’s supervisory board, where opinions on Kimmich’s long-term importance vary. If Kimmich commits to Bayern, there is still uncertainty over whether the club will maintain their stance of not improving their previous offer. If he decides to leave, PSG appear the only viable destination at this stage.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Arsenal supporters, the idea of Kimmich moving to the Emirates was always an enticing but unlikely prospect. While his tactical intelligence and versatility would have suited Mikel Arteta’s system perfectly, the lack of serious pursuit suggests Arsenal’s focus lies elsewhere.

From a Premier League perspective, Kimmich remains a player who would elevate any midfield. His leadership, defensive awareness, and ability to dictate play from deep would have made him an ideal addition for any English club looking to strengthen their midfield. However, with Arsenal pursuing Martin Zubimendi and Manchester City targeting Atalanta’s Ederson, the moment for a Premier League switch appears to have passed.

As for Kimmich himself, staying at Bayern feels like the logical outcome. He has been central to their success over the past decade, and despite the internal politics surrounding his contract, Bayern remain one of the most stable and competitive clubs in Europe. PSG offer an alternative route, but whether Ligue 1 presents the right challenge for a player of Kimmich’s calibre is debatable.

With Bayern pushing for a decision and PSG waiting in the wings, Kimmich’s next move will have major implications not just for his career, but for the midfield market across Europe. If Bayern cannot secure his future soon, other clubs—perhaps even those in the Premier League—may start watching with renewed interest.