Arsenal ‘approach Bayern Munich’ over German giants’ vice-captain after Kai Havertz ‘held private conversation’

ARSENAL have approached Bayern Munich about a move for their vice-captain Joshua Kimmich, according to reports.

The 29-year-old is in the final 18 months of his contract and has yet to agree on a new deal.

It has been claimed that Gunners forward Kai Havertz had a ‘private’ chat with his German teammate during the recent international break.

Reports suggest that the club are ‘using this conversation to gauge the Bayern star’s interest’.

Arsenal are said to be one of five teams keen on acquiring the services of Kimmich, who is said to be open to the idea of potentially moving to the Emirates.

According to Football Transfers, Arsenal were told that Bayern will refuse to have any type of dialogue regarding a move for Kimmich until the end of the season.

But Kimmich will continue to be a top target for Mikel Arteta’s side in the summer.

Bayern tried to flog the versatile midfielder to Newcastle last summer in a deal involving defender Kieran Trippier, who they tabled three bids for.

Injuries have forced him into right-back in recent months, with Thomas Tuchel’s side falling further and further away from Bayer Leverkusen.

Sources expect Arsenal’s interest in the German to really heat up once this campaign has finished.

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Kimmich’s lack of an agent means that the north London club had to approach Bayern directly to learn about his availability.

Paris Saint-Germain are also interested, alongside Barcelona, Manchester City and Liverpool.

Defending Bundesliga champions Bayern have endured a disastrous campaign this season.

Tuchel’s troops are a whopping 13-points behind Leverkusen – despite the impressive haul of £82million summer signing Harry Kane.

And they face a difficult path to winning the Champions League, facing Arsenal in the quarter-finals and potentially meeting Man City or Real Madrid in the semis.

Arsenal also appear to be frontrunners to sign long term Bayern target Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk