Joshua Kimmich: Bayern Munich star reacts to contract extension as Arsenal, PSG transfer blow is confirmed

Speculation over the 30-year-old's future at the Allianz Arena has been rife some time as his original contract was due to expire in the summer.

A host of top European clubs were allegedly altered to Kimmich's contract situation and were intrigued by the possibility of signing the Germany international on a free transfer.

Arsenal were reported to have held discussions with Kimmich, who had been presented with two 'written offers' from interested clubs.

Another of those is believed to have been Paris Saint-Germain, with German news outlet Bild claiming that the Ligue 1 champions recently tabled a 'concrete offer' to sign Kimmich in the summer.

The likes of Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Barcelona have also been credited with an interest in Kimmich, but the versatile midfielder has opted to commit his future to Bayern.

Kimmich: "I feel at home here and I am not finished yet"

"At FC Bayern I have the best environment to achieve my sporting goals," Kimmich told the club's official website after signing his new four-year contract extension.

"That is what my decision was based on. For me at the moment, there is no better package of teammates, coaching staff and club environment in order to achieve maximum success. I feel at home here and I am not finished yet."

Max Eberl, board member for sport, added: "Mentality and identity - that is what Joshua Kimmich represents. He has internalised the DNA of FC Bayern over the years and embodies it both on and off the field. Where others stop, he starts. We are very happy that he will continue to drive our team forward."

Bayern president Herbert Hainer continued: "Compliments to our sporting management and our board. FC Bayern needs players who not only bear the shirt but also responsibility - on and off the pitch. And Joshua Kimmich is one of those players."

Kimmich has established himself as an integral first-team player for Bayern since joining the club from RB Leipzig in 2015, contributing with 43 goals and 114 assists in 429 appearances across all competitions.

The German, who has registered 10 assists in 39 games for Vincent Kompany's side so far this season, has won a total of 20 trophies with Bayern and is hoping to end the current campaign on a high by lifting a ninth Bundesliga title and a second Champions League trophy.

Written by

Oliver Thomas