Arsenal have been linked with several midfielders ahead of the summer window, and Mikel Arteta may be keen on a versatile option.
Whilst Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi is a concrete target, with Arteta a huge fan of the player, he may also seek to add an option who can play in several positions.
The likes of Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz joined as signings who can operate in multiple roles, and another player may be targeted to add more tactical variety to the squad.
This may come in the form of Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich, who has been linked with a move away amid uncertainty over his contract in Germany.
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Kai Havertz spoke to Joshua Kimmich about potential Arsenal transfer
Kimmich is set to face Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals in the coming weeks, and the German International is very familiar with Havertz, who joined from Chelsea in the summer.
The pair played together for Germany in the recent International break, which saw them beat France and the Netherlands ahead of the European Championships this summer.
Football Transfers has now revealed that Havertz spoke to Kimmich over a potential move.
“Kai Havertz spoke to Kimmich privately about a potential move during a previous international break, with Arsenal using this conversation to gauge the Bayern star’s interest,” the report claimed.
“Kimmich’s lack of an agent means that the north London club had to approach Bayern directly to learn about his availability.”
Would Joshua Kimmich be a good signing for Arsenal?
Kimmich was described as “world-class” in both midfield and at right-back by former Bayern manager Julian Nagelsmann, and he would add a lot of quality and experience in both positions.
However, there are some concerns over the Bayern star. At 29, he may be a good immediate replacement in the squad for Jorginho and Thomas Partey, both of whom could leave in the summer, but long-term, it is unclear how long he may last.
Kimmich also had reported tensions with Thomas Tuchel over his position, and it remains to be seen whether he would accept a rotational role with Ben White at the back or Declan Rice in midfield.
Unlike Martin Zubimendi, Kimmich does not thrive at the base of midfield, which would somewhat restrict Rice to that role when he has also thrived going forward, and the Spaniard may still be the better-value signing.