According to reports, Arsenal are ‘already negotiating a surprise signing’ as they are primed to ‘beat’ FC Barcelona to secure a summer transfer.
The Gunners need to be busy during this summer’s transfer window as they are enduring a difficult season under head coach Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal – fourth in our Premier League net spend table – have been seriously impacted by injuries this season, and their main problem is in attack as they have struggled to create chances, sitting fifth in our 2024/25 open-play goals table.
They have been particularly ineffective in recent months. Bukayo Saka has been out for a few months with a hamstring injury, while Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus were ruled out for the remainder of this season with their own injuries.
Jesus and Havertz’s issues have exposed Arsenal’s failings in the transfer market. They have struggled without a natural striker in recent matches, and their summer priority is expected to be the signing of a new striker (or two).
Despite this, a report in Spain claims Arsenal have picked Germany international Joshua Kimmich as a ‘surprise priority signing’.
The versatile 30-year-old is the third most valuable footballer who could become a free agent in the summer as he’s entered the final few months of his current contract.
Kimmich still has plenty to offer and he’s attracting interest from clubs around Europe, with Arsenal among the clubs considering a move.
A report in Spain claims Arteta has ‘beaten’ Barcelona boss Hansi Flick ‘to the punch’ and ‘wants to close the Kimmich signing soon’.
Arteta is said to be ‘determined’ to beat Barcelona and others in the race to sign Kimmich and Arsenal have ‘already begun talks’ with his entourage.
Kimmich is described as a ‘priority target’ for the Gunners, who have four factors in their favour over Barcelona.
‘Arsenal have several cards in their favour. The Premier League is one of the most competitive leagues in the world, and Arteta’s project, which has led the team to fight for the top spots in the table, is attractive for any player.
‘In addition, Kimmich could see in Arsenal the opportunity to become the leader of a young and ambitious team, something that could tip the balance in his favour.
‘FC Barcelona are also interested in Joshua Kimmich, the Catalan club’s financial situation puts them at a disadvantage compared to Arsenal.
‘Barça are in a delicate financial situation and need to make significant sales to comply with financial fair play rules. In addition, the club already has other priority targets in the market, which could hinder their ability to compete with Arsenal in the race for Kimmich.’