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Anfield Index
·28 February 2025
Arsenal Have ‘Held Talks’ to Sign Liverpool Transfer Target – Journalist
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·28 February 2025
In the latest developments surrounding Arsenal and Liverpool’s transfer ambitions, Florian Plettenberg has unveiled some crucial insights that could shape the next Premier League season. According to Plettenberg, Arsenal has engaged in discussions to acquire Joshua Kimmich, a prime Liverpool target, as reported by Sky Germany and Sky Sport Switzerland. This revelation adds a new layer to the already intense rivalry between these top English clubs.
As the Premier League race heats up, Arsenal’s tactical decisions under the microscope reveal a clear strategy shift. Mikel Arteta’s side, which has suffered a recent dip in form, now trails Liverpool by a daunting 13 points. This gap has prompted a critical evaluation of their squad needs, particularly highlighting the absence of a decisive No.9 during their disappointing draws against West Ham and Nottingham Forest.
Arteta expressed his frustration, noting a missed opportunity in the January transfer window to bolster the squad, stating, “We had a clear intention which is always there is a window open to explore the opportunities to improve our squad with players that can impact it. We haven’t achieved it, so we are disappointed in that sense.”
Liverpool, on the other hand, has its sights set on Kimmich as a potential replacement should Trent Alexander-Arnold decide to leave. The German international’s contract situation at Bayern Munich has been in flux, with the club withdrawing their contract offer, making him a highly attractive free transfer target for the upcoming season. Plettenberg reports that Kimmich has received two formal offers from clubs outside Germany, including one from a Premier League team, escalating the stakes for Liverpool.
Photo: IMAGO
Kimmich’s current earnings at Bayern Munich are significant, with a weekly wage of approximately £325,000, making him one of the top earners at the club. The financial dynamics are crucial as Arsenal contemplates replacing Jorginho in their midfield lineup. The possibility of securing Kimmich on a free transfer could represent a strategic masterstroke for the Gunners, provided they can outmanoeuvre Liverpool in this high-stakes transfer tug-of-war.
The potential acquisition of Kimmich by Arsenal could significantly alter the balance of power in the Premier League. With both clubs vying for a top-tier player whose skills could dramatically influence their midfield capabilities, the outcome of this transfer could resonate throughout the next season, impacting not just Arsenal and Liverpool, but the entire league’s competitive landscape.
As Liverpool fans, this development is a bit concerning yet intriguing. Joshua Kimmich has been on our radar for a while, and the thought of him joining Arsenal instead is disheartening, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future at Anfield. Kimmich’s versatility and leadership on the field would be a perfect fit for Arne Slot’s tactical setup, which relies heavily on dynamic midfielders capable of controlling the game’s tempo.
Arsenal’s intent to sign him, especially on a free, is a bold move, reflecting their serious ambitions to rebuild and challenge for the title next season. It’s a reminder that the transfer market is as much about strategic foresight as it is about financial muscle. For Liverpool, losing out on Kimmich could be a significant blow, particularly if we cannot secure a comparable talent who fits Slot’s vision for the team’s future.
The board and management must respond decisively to ensure that Liverpool remains attractive to top talents like Kimmich. This scenario underscores the perpetual chess match between top clubs in the Premier League, where every move could tilt the scale of competitive balance. As fans, while we trust the process and the vision of our club, moments like these are stark reminders of the high stakes involved.