Man City aim for Liverpool, Arsenal target as Guardiola’s title gift while expert rules out Barcelona

A report has confirmed Manchester City as one of the main admirers of Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich – although a top German source’s latest reveal might dampen their enthusiasm.

Kimmich was signed by Pep Guardiola for Bayern Munich from RB Leipzig in 2015. He began to develop his potential under the former Barcelona boss and is now closing in on 350 appearances for the Bundesliga giants.

In recent days, Kimmich has become the subject of some transfer speculation. There have been suggestions that Guardiola wants to reunite with him at Man City.

Now, The Sun has become the latest source to verify the Premier League champions’ interest in Kimmich, who can play as a defensive midfielder or a right-back.

The Germany international only has two years remaining on his contract at the Allianz Arena. In addition to City, his situation has prompted links with the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Barcelona.

But City could have an ace up their sleeve in the shape of Joao Cancelo, who is currently on loan at Bayern from them. There is no intention from the Munich outfit to pay the full value of their option to buy, but City could offer his permanent services as a sweetener for Kimmich.

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Guardiola has revived his interest in his former pupil while bracing himself for the loss of Ilkay Gundogan this summer. The City captain has been offered a new deal, but as things stand is due to be released at the end of the season.

Coincidentally, another of the clubs to be linked with Kimmich, Barcelona, appear to be Gundogan’s main suitors.

If he does make that move, City might try to make Kimmich one of their marquee signings to celebrate a third consecutive Premier League title.

Experts play down chances of Kimmich transfer

However, according to Sky Sports Germany expert Florian Plettenberg, Kimmich has ‘absolutely no intention’ of leaving Bayern, where he will be the ‘future captain’.

Plettenberg tweeted, a matter of hours after The Sun‘s report: “News #Kimmich: He still has no agent. His contract extension until 2025 was negotiated by his own.

“Barcelona didn’t contact him. He has absolutely no intention to leave the club and he is not in talks with Barcelona. Future captain.”

The current captain at Bayern is legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. Veteran attacker Thomas Muller is second in command, with Kimmich next in the leadership line.

Fabrizio Romano has also subsequently reiterated that ‘Bayern have no plans to negotiate’ when it comes to Kimmich.

Therefore, Man City might have to quickly turn their attention to alternatives. Another solution, per The Sun, could be to bid for Chelsea’s Mateo Kovacic.

Approaching the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge, Kovacic could be available for a transfer fee in the region of £50m.