Arsenal & Liverpool dealt huge transfer blow as Bayern open ‘new talks’ to extend Kimmich’s contract | OneFootball

Arsenal and Liverpool have been dealt a fresh transfer blow in their hopes of signing Joshua Kimmich this summer.

Both Arsenal and Liverpool had their hopes raised just last week when Bayern withdrew their contract proposal for Kimmich.

According to multiple reports, Arsenal have already made their move for Kimmich, opening talks with the player’s representatives ahead of a potential summer move.

Arsenal’s primary target is Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, but the Spaniard’s reluctance to leave his boyhood club threw a wrench in their plans.

Liverpool were met with the same response when they tried to poach the 26-year-old from Arsenal, but it remains to be seen if he will stick to his guns in the summer.

Zubimendi’s commitment to Sociedad forced Arsenal and Liverpool to explore other options, which led them to Kimmich.

The German’s contract with Bayern runs out this summer, but both parties are now back on the negotiating table, which means Arsenal and Liverpool may once again have to look elsewhere for midfield reinforcement.

Bayern’s initial decision to withdraw their proposal was triggered by Kimmich’s reluctance to sign the contract extension they put on the table.

The 30-year-old is a leader in the Bayern camp, but the club wanted him to take a pay cut, which didn’t sit well with the German midfielder.

While talks are back on, Kimmich is still keeping his options open, and both Arsenal and Liverpool will be watching closely.

Real Madrid are also among clubs interested in luring Kimmich away from the Allianz Arena this summer. Los Blancos see the German midfielder as the ideal replacement for the retired Toni Kroos.