Arsenal are pressing ahead with their plans to build a squad better suited for a Premier League title challenge next season.
Arsenal have opened ‘concrete talks’ with Joshua Kimmich as they look to replace the outgoing duo of Thomas Partey and Jorginho with both contracts expiring in the summer.
Arsenal are expecting to sign Martin Zubimendi as one part of their midfield revamp seems to be sealed and now they are hoping the German international will be the next piece in the midfield jigsaw.
Kimmich is a better option that Partey for the versatile central midfield and right back role but news of his arrival has been greeted with a mixed reaction from the Arsenal fans.
READ MORE: All you need to know about Joshua Kimmich from age to stats
Arsenal fans react to Joshua Kimmich talks
Arsenal fans have been scarred by disappointment in recent transfer windows and whilst news of a potential Champions League winner would usually be deemed as a positive, some Gunners fans are failing to see it that way.
The fear amongst some fans is that Real Madrid’s interest in Martin Zubimendi may be behind the talks with Bayern star Kimmich.
One Arsenal fan took to X and wrote: “Does this mean Zubimendi is off to Madrid then? Typical that would be of our failing recruitment process.”
Another Gunners fan has also reacted on X by stating: “Am I the only one that is worried this is screaming a cheaper option to Zubimendi and that deal isn’t happening now?”
Some Arsenal fans are not impressed with Kimmich at all and have serious doubts about the player should he be signed. One wrote: “Off the road with this transfer please, we need striking options not midfield and defence.”
However, there were some fans that could see the benefit of Kimmich’s experience and hope he will be joining in addition to Zubimendi, they wrote: “Him and Zubimendi would be great midfield options.”
Pep Guardiola believes Kimmich among ‘the best in the world’
Pep Guardiola is widely regarded as one of the best managers of all time and has had high praise for Kimmich in the past.
As per BavarianFootballWorks, Guardiola was once Kimmich’s manager at Bayern and played the German at centre back at times.
Guardiola stated: “”I told him that he’s perhaps one of the best centerbacks in the world. He’s got the desire, the will, the passion. He’s got absolutely everything.”
Versatility is just one of the traits that is surely attracting Gunners boss Mikel Arteta to Kimmich and the competence in a range of positions shows the football intelligence of the 30-year-old.
It remains to be seen whether Kimmich can be lured to London and whether that will be alongside Zubimendi but there are signs of a busy summer gearing up at the Emirates Stadium.
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