Arsenal transfer target Joshua Kimmich sent blunt warning by Bayern Munich

Joshua Kimmich has been warned ‘no player is bigger than the club’ amid speculation he is in talks to join Arsenal on a free transfer.

The Germany international’s current contract expires at the end of the current campaign and progress has stalled in negotiations over a possible extension.

Reports on Friday claimed that Bayern had rescinded their latest offer to a player who currently earns around  20 million euros a year.

Bayern are said to remain hopeful that a resolution can be found but sporting director Max Eberl insists club will cope whatever decision Kimmich eventually makes on his future.

‘Generally speaking, nobody is above the club,’ he told Bild. ‘If a player decides differently, then he decides differently.

‘Things will continue at FC Bayern. We are not at that point with Kimmich.

‘I’ve never given updates on negotiations, won’t be doing that now either because that’s inappropriate.

‘We treat each other with big respect – we’re talking. What’s important is how Josh and we as a club treat each other.’

There has been speculation of a possible reunion with former Bayern coach Hansi Flick at Barcelona, though the financially troubled Spanish club would still need to pay his wages.

Sky Germany, Kimmich has received two offers from abroad, one of which is from the Premier League.

Arsenal have emerged as one of the clubs attempting to capitalise on the apparent breakdown between the Germany international and his current employers.

With Jorginho and Thomas Partey set to leave in the summer, Mikel Arteta will need to strengthen in midfield as well as his attack which has been decimated by injuries in recent weeks.

The Gunners are already understood to be close to agreeing a deal to sign Martin Zubamindibut the addition of Kimmich would represent a real statement of intent.