Arsenal hold Kimmich talks as Mikel Arteta faces up to new transfer reality

Arsenal have launched talks to sign Joshua Kimmich, it's claimed, in a stunning summer swoop.

The German midfielder is available for nothing this year, with his contract at Bayern Munich set to expire in just a few months’ time. The Bundesliga giants have been attempting to tie him down to a new deal at the Allianz Arena.

It was previously suggested that Bayern chiefs had withdrawn their latest offer after he had been pushing for an increase to his £320,000-per-week wages. And it now appears that Arsenal are aiming to take advantage of the impasse.

As per Sky in Germany, the Gunners have already held talks with Kimmich over a move. He is reportedly interested in hearing what they - and another foreign club - have to say and has informed chiefs Max Eberl and Christoph Freund about the offers.

Bayern are still hoping for an agreement over an extended stay, albeit there is further interest from French side Paris Saint-Germain. “New deal? Of course we know that we can't wait forever, but we want to give Joshua a bit of time and let his thoughts mature that Bayern Munich is the club where he wants to continue,” Eberl said about Kimmich’s future. “That’s legitimate.”

Should Arsenal tempt him to North London, the 30-year-old is seen as a potential replacement for Jorginho. The Italian is out of contract at the end of this season and is expected to move Brazil.

"My contract is until June and my goal now is to think about the next game, which is in three days. There’s not much to think about, you know?" Jorginho said about his future.

He added: "It’s a possibility [returning to Brazil], yes, in the future, it’s a possibility. As I’ve already mentioned, I have never played professionally in Brazil so it would be an incredible experience for me.

"So this door is also open, obviously. Keep all the doors open and calmly decide what to do in the future."

Kimmich joined Bayern from RB Leipzig in 2015 and he has gone on to make over 400 appearances for the club. In that time, he has won eight Bundesliga titles, the Champions League, three German Cups and a whole host of other titles. Kimmich is also a 97-time German international having made his debut for his country back in 2016.

On Thursday, Mirror Football reported that Arsenal and Arteta are planning an ambitious summer overhaul, with the Gunners set to miss out on the Premier League title again. Arteta wants to improve a new areas, however, there is a realisation that they may be forced to sell before they can buy.

That includes potential exits for Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, both of whom have interest from Saudi Arabia.