Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich has played down speculation linking him with the likes of Barcelona and Arsenal.
The 28-year-old has established himself as a key cog in the Bavarian machine since joining the club from RB Leipzig in 2015, scoring 40 goals and registering 94 assists in 347 appearances across all competitions.
Kimmich has gradually developed from a right-back into a midfielder during his career and was regarded as one of the first names on the Bayern teamsheet in the 2022-23 campaign, starting 45 of his 46 matches.
The Germany international has just two years remaining on his contract at the Allianz Arena, though, and speculation over his long-term future has surfaced in recent months.
Barcelona head coach Xavi has confirmed that he is interested in luring "super top player" Kimmich to Camp Nou this summer.
© Reuters
The Catalan giants are in the market for midfield reinforcements following the departure of long-serving lynchpin Sergio Busquets.
Premier League trio Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool are also said to be keen to bolster their options in the middle of the pitch and have been credited with an interest in Kimmich ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.
Arsenal have been strongly linked with a move for top target Declan Rice this summer, but Mikel Arteta could look to recruit another midfielder as Granit Xhaka, Mohamed Elneny and Albert Sambi Lokonga all face uncertain futures at the Emirates Stadium.
Man City are hoping to tie down captain Ilkay Gundogan to a new contract, with his current deal set to expire at the end of this month, but they could be forced to enter the transfer market for a replacement if the 32-year-old decides to seek pastures new.
As for Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp has already completed the signing of Alexis Mac Allister, but the Reds allegedly intend to move for two more midfielders this summer following the departures of James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita upon the expiration of their contracts.
© Reuters
Despite the interest in his services, Kimmich has insisted that he has "big plans" at Bayern over the next two seasons.
Speaking to German news outlet Bild, as quoted by the Evening Standard, while away on international duty, Kimmich said: "It was difficult not to come across it [the rumours]. Generally, I'm not too invested in the rumours.
"I still have, as everyone knows, two years left on my contract and we have big plans [for those two years] at Bayern."
Bayern are thought to view Kimmich – who has won eight Bundesliga titles and the Champions League at the Allianz Arena – as 'untouchable' and he remains an integral member of Thomas Tuchel's squad.
Kimmich scored a 91st-minute penalty to help Germany rescue a 3-3 draw in a friendly against Ukraine on Monday – Die Mannschaft's 1,000th international match.
