Barcelona are reportedly determined to sign Joshua Kimmich on a free transfer next year, with the Germany international widely expected to leave Bayern Munich at the end of his contract.
There was a host of speculation surrounding Kimmich's future during the summer transfer window, but he stayed with Bayern and will be at Allianz Arena until at least January.
The 29-year-old has again been an important player for Bayern in the early stages of the 2024-25 campaign, playing every minute of their three games in all competitions, including their two Bundesliga fixtures with Wolfsburg and Freiburg.
However, Kimmich is said to want a fresh challenge at this stage of his career, and he is widely expected to end his time at Allianz Arena in 2025.
Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City are all believed to be interested in bringing him to the Premier League on a free transfer.
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Barcelona 'want' to sign Kimmich on a free transfer
However, according to Fichajes, Barcelona are also firmly in the race, with the Catalan outfit determined to secure his signature at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
Hansi Flick's side are expected to move for a new midfielder next summer, as they are currently short in that area of the field, with Ilkay Gundogan a notable departure during the recent market.
Kimmich made the move to Bayern from RB Leipzig in 2015, and he has represented the Munich giants on 393 occasions in all competitions, scoring 42 goals and registering 104 assists in the process.
The midfielder has won eight Bundesliga titles, while he has also lifted three German Cups and one Champions League trophy during a glittering career with Bayern.
The Munich club missed out on the Bundesliga title last season to Bayer Leverkusen, but they will be determined to return to the summit in 2024-25, and Kimmich will be hoping that he can secure a couple more trophies in what is set to be his final campaign at Allianz Arena.
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Would Kimmich be a good signing for Barcelona?
Players of Kimmich's ilk do not often become available on a free transfer, and there will certainly not be a shortage of interest in the German next year.
Barcelona will hope that their financial situation will have improved to a point where they are able to compete with the type of wages that Premier League clubs will be able to put on the table.
The Catalan giants have some outstanding talents in central midfield, namely Fermin Lopez, Gavi, Pedri and Marc Bernal, but there is uncertainty when it comes to Frenkie de Jong's long-term future.
The team lack numbers in the middle, and Kimmich would be the ideal signing for Barcelona due to his skill set, which has cemented him as one of the top midfielders in world football.
Barcelona have also been given a boost in their pursuit of Jonathan Tah, with the Bayer Leverkusen defender confirming that he will be leaving the reigning Bundesliga champions on a free transfer next year.
