Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is ‘considering Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich as a replacement for Ilkay Gundogan’… with ‘Joao Cancelo likely to be used as a makeweight in the deal’
- Joshua Kimmich is being eyed by Man City as a replacement for Ilkay Gundogan
- Gundogan is out of contract in the summer and could leave Pep Guardiola’s side
- Bayern could use the move to fund the permanent signing of Joao Cancelo
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is reportedly considering Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich as a replacement for Ilkay Gundogan.
Kimmich has emerged as one of the best midfielders in the world since making his Munich debut under Guardiola in 2015.
However, the adaptive midfielder, like many of his club-mates, endured a disappointing season with Bayern, suffering disappointment in their hopes of winning the Bundesliga and being eliminated from the Champions League as well as the German cup.
With the potential departure of Gundogan, who is out of contract at the end of the season, Kimmich could replace his Germany team-mate at the Etihad, according to The Sun.
Kimmich is said to be looking for a new challenge and his ability to play in defense and midfield has appealed to Man City.
Pep Guardiola reportedly wants to sign Joshua Kimmich as a replacement for Ilkay Gundogan
Gundogan is out of contract at Manchester City this summer and could leave after seven years
Bayern have also told City they cannot afford the £60million asking price for Joao Cancelo and could use Kimmich as a makeweight to secure the full back’s permanent signing.
Bayern are in a strong negotiating position as Kimmich’s existing contract still has two years to run and are likely to command a transfer fee that exceeds their current record departure of Lewandowski in worth £42.5 million last summer.
Barcelona are also keen on the midfielder, with president Joan Laporta reportedly keen to land him as a cheaper alternative to Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi.
Meanwhile, Gundogan’s future at City remains unclear but could still remain with the Premier League champions.
City clinched the Premier League title after Arsenal’s defeat at Nottingham Forest ensured the league leaders could not be caught behind.
And following this, Gundogan took the time to thank the staff, team-mates and supporters for helping City win their third straight Premier League title.
Gundogan said: ‘To help the Club win a third consecutive Premier League title is something very special.
‘The Premier League is undoubtedly the most demanding and competitive league in the world so that tells you everything about what an achievement this is. This squad is very talented and very special and to be captain this season is a huge privilege.’
‘I also want to thank Pep, all the backroom staff and everyone who works at this football club. Every day they help give us as players everything we need to try to be successful. There is no way we could have won this title without their support.’
Guardiola handed Kimmich his Bayern Munich debut when he took charge of the German side in 2015
Kimmich is said to be looking for a new challenge and his versatility has appealed to Man City
