Exclusive: Bayern Munich working hard to fend off Man City to keep future captain

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TBR Football understands Bayern Munich are hugely concerned by the interest being shown in Joshua Kimmich, who can leave the club for nothing in 2025.

Bayern are desperately trying to hammer out terms with Kimmich, before he is free to talk to rival clubs from January.

Manchester City are long-term admirers of Kimmich, who has never hidden his fondness for Pep Guardiola following their time together in Munich.

With Real Madrid and Barcelona also keen on the 29-year-old – who will be 30 when his current deal expires – Bayern are working hard to finalise a new deal for the recently appointed German captain.

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Man City, Real Madrid and Barcelona all keen on Joshua Kimmich

TBR Football can confirm that City are hugely keen on Kimmich and Guardiola could play a key role in attracting his former charge as they two of them became very close during the Spaniard’s spell in Munich.

At one point Guardiola even commented: “Kimmich is nearly my son”, when speaking about his importance to Kicker.

Kimmich is also full of praise for Guardiola, telling The Independent: “He inspired me. It's amazing how emotional he is, on the field, with the fans. You can see how he pushes his players, he can push them to another level. Every player is better with this coach.”

In terms of his future, Kimmich also told a recent press conference that no decision had yet been made.

"I am in dialogue with the club and that will continue. Eight or ten weeks ago the situation was different. People were saying, 'When is Kimmich going to leave?' The decision has to be carefully considered. Of course, the past plays a role, but so does the future," Kimmich said.

Bayern also fighting to keep Jamal Musiala

TBR Football understands that City are looking closely at the German market and not just Kimmich.

They are very much in the conversation for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, who Bayern are also in for, and also his German international teammate Jamal Musiala, whose contract expires in 2026.

Like with Kimmich, Bayern are working very hard to hammer out a fresh contract with him as they see Musiala as the centre-piece of their team in the long-term.

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Kimmich is someone who Bayern believe could become their captain, such is their intent on keeping him

"We have two big figures in Manuel Neuer and Thomas Müller who will leave us at some point in the foreseeable future due to their age," Bayern’s sporting director Max Eberl told BR24.

"So, we need new big figures. Joshua Kimmich, with his performances, his willingness, his heart, is predestined for that. It's not for nothing that he's captain of the German national team. He should be the captain of Bayern Munich of the future. But first we have to extend the contract, which will be strenuous enough".