Liverpool and Arsenal keen to sign Bayern Munich star this summer: Reports
Liverpool and Arsenal are reportedly interested in snapping up Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich this summer.
Kimmich, 28, has established himself as a regular starter for Thomas Tuchel's side since arriving from RB Leipzig for around £7.5 million in 2015. He has helped them lift a total of 19 trophies so far, including seven Bundesliga titles.
A right-footed defensive midfielder renowned for his passing and vision, the 76-cap Germany international started off as a promising right-back. He has evolved into a world-class central operator during his spell at the Bavarians.
According to MARCA, Liverpool and Arsenal are keen to rope in Kimmich ahead of the upcoming 2023-24 campaign. However, the Bundesliga side are unwilling to let their midfielder depart for an offer of less than £52 million.
Kimmich, who has a contract until June 2025 at the Allianz Arena, is keen to switch his allegiances to Barcelona this summer. But the German's £17.5 million-per-year wage demands are set to be a roadblock for the Blaugrana.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are currently in the market for a first-team midfielder as they look to revamp their midfield. James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all set to depart on free transfers this June.
Arsenal are also keen to strengthen their midfield to prepare for UEFA Champions League action next season. Should Kimmich join them, he would emerge as a key starter ahead of Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka and Jorginho.
Overall, Kimmich has scored 40 goals and laid out 94 assists in 345 appearances for Bayern Munich so far.
Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale opens up on admiration for Liverpool star
During a recent interaction with Arsenal great Ian Wright for the Premier League's YouTube channel, Gunners shot-stopper Aaron Ramsdale was queried about his idols. Pinpointing Liverpool star Alisson Becker, he replied:
"Alisson is very good. He always has time for you. He's probably one where you see his mentality... nothing will faze him. Mistakes, goals. He's the goalie I look at mentality-wise and that's where I want to get to."
Alisson, 30, has established himself as one of the top goalkeepers in Europe since joining the Reds from AS Roma for £66 million in 2018. He has helped his team lift seven trophies, overseeing 103 shutouts in 230 matches.
Ramsdale, on the other hand, is currently relishing the best season of his career in terms of number of clean sheets. He has registered 13 clean sheets in 36 Premier League games this term, bettering last campaign's tally of 12.