Joshua Kimmich has insisted that he is "relaxed" about his Bayern Munich future, even though he is yet to hold talks over a contract extension.
The 29-year-old has been an integral first-team player for the Bavarian giants since joining the club from RB Leipzig in 2015, contributing with 41 goals and 101 assists in 377 appearances across all competitions.
Kimmich, who has starting 29 of his 30 appearances so far this season, began his career as a right-back, but has since gradually developed into one of the best defensive midfielders in world football.
The Germany international has won a total of 20 trophies with Bayern, including eight Bundesliga titles, three German Cups and the 2019-20 Champions League.
However, Kimmich has entered the final 18 months of his contract at the Allianz Arena and has been heavily linked with a potential departure from the club this summer.
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Having now entered the prime years of his career, recent reports have suggested that Kimmich is open to seeking a fresh challenge away from Bayern, and a move to the Premier League is said to appeal to the midfielder.
Treble winners Manchester City are allegedly at the front of the queue to sign Kimmich, while the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Barcelona have also been credited with an interest.
Kimmich played the full 90 minutes in Bayern's thumping 8-1 Bundesliga victory over Mainz 05 last weekend, and after the match, he provided an update on his future at the club.
"In general, my situation is very clear. I still have over a year left on my contract. Nobody has spoken to me yet. That's why I'm very relaxed," Kimmich told reporters as quoted by 90min.
"Let's see what happens. For me, the most important thing is that I perform well, that I reach my maximum performance, and I can't influence the rest."
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Bayern's new board member Max Eberl has admitted that the club must identify their next manager – with current boss Thomas Tuchel leaving at the end of the season – before they can enter advanced contract negotiations with Kimmich.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Eberl said: "[Kimmich] is a very, very important and deserving player for Bayern Munich. [Contract talks] will also depend on the new coach and how he sees Josh.
"At the moment, he is needed on the right of defence, where he is doing very well and is a great help to us. But Josh is also a player for midfield. He says he can play as a lone six. This a discussion that needs to be had.
"But I think a new coach can have different views and see a player differently. Basically, you have to wait and see."
Meanwhile, sporting director Christoph Freund has expressed his desire for Bayern to keep hold of Kimmich, adding: "There will also be discussions with Jo, he played a really good game like he did on Tuesday (against Lazio). Jo is a really good footballer, a very important factor for our team."
While Kimmich is due to see his current contract expire in June 2025, the long-term futures of Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Bouna Sarr remain uncertain, with their Bayern deals set to expire at the end of the season.
Oliver Thomas
