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Joshua Kimmich could leave Bayern Munich this summer with Liverpool reportedly on alert and Arsenal now linked(Image: Markus Gilliar - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images)
Following a breakdown in contract talks, Bayern Munich stalwart Joshua Kimmich has reportedly been given a deadline by the club to 'declare his commitment' otherwise he is looking at a summer exit.
Ultimately, the situation could play into a club like Liverpool's hands ahead of the next transfer window.
Liverpool have been linked to the 30-year-old persistently over the past few months to a player now in the final six months of his existing deal in Germany and therefore able to take negotiations wherever he pleases regarding foreign suitors.
But there has been no inside suggestion he would leave his club of ten years - at least until now, with Bayern retracting their renewal offer over hesistancy from Kimmich himself.
Confirming as such on Friday night, sporting director Max Eberl was quoted by BILD as saying: "If the truth is out there in public, then that’s how it is."
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For Liverpool in their current scenario, the doors this could open would be significant.
The player, with over 400 games played and 20 major trophies won for the Bundesliga giants, is able to aid as a holding midfielder - a position Arne Slot failed to strengthen with then-target Martin Zubimendi last summer, so has relied arguably too much on Kimmich's former teammate, Ryan Gravenberch.
Also with Trent Alexander-Arnold's future on Merseyside uncertain as ever, a free signing could help mask the blow of losing him if it comes to it.
The Reds would also be getting a player comfortable in performing the duties of a right full-back.
So, the initial building blocks have fallen into place for their benefit, now another follow-up report from BILD has given further encouragement that there is a deal to be done.
Bayern are said to have handed their vice-captain an ultimatum - show willingness to renew before next Wednesday's Champions League last-16 first leg meeting with Bayer Leverkusen or they will take it as a sign that negotiations are through.
This would put less than five days on the clock for Kimmich to decide his next big career choice - an incredibly tough position to be in such incredibly short notice.
What's more, it is stated clearly that the club would not be willing to move on their latest offer, which they would use again if the player indicates staying is his preference.
In his frank response, Eberl added: "Generally speaking, nobody is above the club.
Things will continue at FC Bayern.
"There were great players here who were at FC Bayern, but who eventually had to leave the club because they couldn't reach an agreement and their contracts ran out.
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