Arsenal face competition from Liverpool as they chase free Kimmich transfer

ARSENAL and Liverpool are set for a tug-of-war transfer battle over Joshua Kimmich.

Bayern Munich star Kimmich is out of contract in the summer and the Bundesliga giants have pulled the plug on new deal talks.

But Kimmich is now free to speak to foreign clubs, with several Prem sides and Barcelona keen to snap up the German World Cup winner.

The Gunners want midfield reinforcements with Jorginho, 33, and Thomas Partey, 31, out of contract this summer.

Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi has already been lined up for a £51million switch to North London.

But Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is an admirer of Kimmich, who can also play as an inverted full-back.

Fringe players — like Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko — could be sold to raise funds.

While Liverpool also want to strengthen their midfield having failed to do so last summer.

Kimmich could also replace England full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold who has been linked with a free move to Real Madrid.

Barca’s ex-Bayern boss Hansi Flick coached Kimmich, but the Spanish side still have financial troubles.

Bayern Munich currently lead the Bundesliga table and are eight points clear of Bayer Leverkusen.

They face Stuttgart on Friday evening, although Kimmich will not feature due to a hamstring problem.

Ahead of the match, Vincent Kompany said: "We only have our sights set on Stuttgart.

"But he probably won't be travelling with us. The game is probably too early for him."