It says a lot about not only the talent but the depth of this Arsenal squad that even one of the most decorated footballers of the modern era would not be welcomed to the Emirates Stadium these days. At least, by a former Gunners favourite that is.
Mikel Arteta has perhaps the most complete, well-rounded full-back in the game at his disposal in Ben White, performing both his defensive and his attacking roles with aplomb while embracing his duties as an extra midfielder when in possession.
On the rare occasions when White is not available, the Arsenal boss can turn to the ever-reliable Takehiro Tomiyasu. There is also Jurrien Timber to come back, in training again after months on the sidelines.
HITC understands that The Gunners – alongside Manchester City, Liverpool and Man United – are watching Joshua Kimmich’s situation closely. The Bayern Munich ace is due to become a free-agent in 2025, and could therefore be available for a snip of a fee at £25 million (The Mirror).
Perry Groves, however, feels Arsenal’s summer budget would be better spent elsewhere.
Arsenal face Bayern Munich and Joshua Kimmich tonight
“(Kimmich) can go in that inverted right-back role like (Oleksandr) Zinchenko does. But we have Tomiyasu, Ben White, who has been one of Arsenal’s players of the season,” a two-time First Division champion with Arsenal, tells talkSPORT (9 April, 1pm).
“(White) has been outstanding. That link he has with (Bukayo) Saka on the right-hand side, and his defending one-v-one… He’s one of the few full-backs who presses and actually stops the crosses.
“Kimmich, yeah you want as many quality players as possible. But no, (we don’t need to sign him) at all.”
Available for a bargain £25 million
The eight-time Bundesliga winner is, of course, not just a right-back. 29-year-old Kimmich has made many of his near-400 Bayern appearances as a midfielder, and there may be space in Arsenal’s roster for a new deep-lying playmaker amid doubts over the futures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho.
HITC understands Arsenal are watching Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi. Kimmich, however, is likely to be the cheapest of the three.
Then again, there is a feeling that – like many in the Bayern dressing room – Kimmich’s development has stalled somewhat since that treble-winning 2019/20 season under Hansi Flick.
Though Bayern’s Champions League quarter-final first-leg clash with Arsenal tonight – a game he is almost certain to start – will allow Arsenal fans a sneak peek at a player who could be lining up on the other side next term.
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