Joshua Kimmich will see his contract at Bayern Munich expire at the end of the season, with talks over a new deal having stalled, attracting the attention of Arsenal and PSG
Joshua Kimmich has insisted the ball is in Bayern Munich’s court over talks for a new contract, with the German to make a decision on his future before the international break.
Kimmich has become one of the best midfielders in Germany since joining Bayern in 2015. He has won eight Bundesliga titles and the 2020 Champions League, as well as playing a key role in Vincent Kompany’s current team.
But his contract at the Allianz Arena will expire at the end of the season and talks over a new deal have stalled. Bayern are thought to have withdrawn their latest offer after Kimmich missed a deadline to sign.
The stalemate has seen clubs including Arsenal and PSG open talks with Kimmich and his representatives. The 30-year-old had remained silent on his future up to this point, but after helping Bayern to beat Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League, he has finally spoken out.
“A decision will definitely be made soon. The ball is not in my court. My plan was to do it before the international break. The club wanted it before the two Leverkusen games. I’m noticing that Max [Eberl] is honest and is fighting,” he said.
“It’s not about squeezing out the last euro. I know that Max (Eberl) is very honest and is fighting. I really appreciate that. I also don’t have the impression that I’m totally greedy. It’s not about squeezing out the last euro. Max knows that. We had very good talks.
“My plan was to make my decision before the international break. The club didn’t want that, which is legitimate. I appreciate that they gave me a lot of time. It was important to get off to a good start this season after a difficult last season and build a relationship with each other again.
“The club now wanted to have a decision before the two games against Leverkusen. For me the injury complicated things a bit, without going into details. But there will be a decision soon. I don’t know if it will be between both legs, but it will definitely be before the international break at the latest.”
When asked what steps Kimmich hopes the club will take to ensure that the new contract still works out, he simply replied: “That’s not the issue right now.”
Kimmich was also questioned on the links with Arsenal and PSG. When asked whether other clubs play a role in his decision-making process, Kimmich answered with a short but clear “yes”.
He refused to name the clubs involved when pressed. Bayern remain confident that Kimmich will committ his future to them, despite the interest from two top foreign sides.
“As has often been said and confirmed, the talks were and are respectful and appreciative,” Bayern sporting director Max Eberl said. “However, everyone also feels that a decision should be made soon.
“I think Joshua Kimmich likes to have his destiny in his own hands. He concentrates on himself and consults with his family. Many people have opinions. But Josh is a leader and knows exactly what he wants for his career.”
Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Learn more
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £192 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.