Arsenal are interested in agreeing a transfer for Joshua Kimmich or Martin Zubimendi but the Bayern Munich midfielder holds two advantages over the Real Sociedad gem.
The Gunners have identified their engine room as a key area manager Mikel Arteta wants to improve this summer. Arsenal already invested heavily in the position in 2023 with the club-record arrival of Declan Rice. But Thomas Partey and Jorginho have uncertain futures today.
Partey has seen Rice take full control of his position at Emirates Stadium following an injury-plagued campaign. The 30-year-old will also enter the final year of his contract in July. While 32-year-old Jorginho is out of contract at the end of this season but may yet get new terms.
Arteta has spoken with Zubimendi about his transfer to Arsenal
Arteta would covet the transfer of Zubimendi from Real Sociedad if Arsenal do target a new midfielder this summer. AS has reported that Arteta marked the 25-year-old as his absolute No1 target. Arteta is even pushing Arsenal to agree to Zubimendi’s transfer to north London.
Additionally, Christian Falk has suggested that Arteta has already spoken with Zubimendi to discuss a move to the Emirates. The Gunners coach even leaves Bayern Munich fearful that FCB will miss out on their top midfield target, who has a release clause worth €50m (£43m).
Kimmich holds two advantages over Zubimendi to tempt Arteta
Now, though, football.london reports that Kimmich has two advantages that might see the Bayern Munich star’s transfer prove more attractive than Zubimendi’s for Arsenal manager Arteta. It notes that Kimmich’s experience and versatility could put him atop their shortlist.
Kimmich can feature as a right-back or a central midfielder, making him a perfect candidate for Arteta’s inverted full-back philosophy. The 29-year-old has also won the Bundesliga title eight times and the Champions League once over his eight full seasons at the Allianz Arena.
A transfer to Arsenal this summer could also appeal for Kimmich, who enters the final year of his contract with Bayern Munich in July. Florian Plettenberg reports the German and Der FCB do not rule out a departure from Bavaria with multiple sides already positioning themselves.
Kimmich will entertain approaches from Arsenal, Barcelona, Liverpool, Manchester City and Real Madrid this summer. But he is not open to holding meetings with Chelsea, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain. So, Arteta might have to choose who his top target really is.