Arsenal told new deadline for Joshua Kimmich decision as midfield revamp awaits | OneFootball

Gunners are rumoured to be interested in deal for experienced midfield option alongside Martin Zubimendi

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Bayern Munich stalwart Joshua Kimmich has given a new deadline for a decision on his club future amid rumoured interest from Arsenal.

The versatile German international, 30, has won a whole host of major silverware with Bayern over the last decade since joining from RB Leipzig in 2015, but his current contract is due to expire in the summer with no agreement yet reached over an extension.

Reports last week claimed that Arsenal were among the clubs interested in a deal for Kimmich, who can play either in central midfield or at right-back or even in central defence, after his latest contract offer was supposedly withdrawn by Bayern, with some even suggesting that talks had already been held regarding a prospective free transfer at the end of the season.

Kimmich has remained a regular starter for Bayern this season when fit under head coach Vincent Kompany and delivered a new update on his situation after playing all 90 minutes of Wednesday night’s statement 3-0 Champions League last-16 first-leg home win over Bundesliga title rivals Bayer Leverkusen in which England captain Harry Kane scored a brace and Jamal Musiala was also on target.

“My plan was to make my decision before the international break,” Kimmich told reporters in Bavaria.

“The club didn't want that, which is legitimate. There will be a decision soon. It will definitely be before the [March] international break at the latest.”

Arsenal are expected to revamp their midfield options significantly this summer, with both Jorginho and Thomas Partey out of contract and likely to move on.

The Gunners are optimistic over signing Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, who rejected a switch to the Premier League with Liverpool last summer, and are also expected to return with a new offer for Rosenborg’s teenage starlet Sverre Nypan after he opted not to leave Norway in January.