Joshua Kimmich emerges as a summer target for Barcelona

Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich has emerged as a potential transfer target for Barcelona this summer, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The Germany international has been a stalwart at Bayern since joining from VfB Stuttgart in 2015 but has reportedly become unsettled at the Allianz Arena.

It is understood the unceremonial sack of former manager Julian Nagelsmann has rattled the defensive midfielder, who is now considering a move away from the club this summer.

Nagelsmann was relieved of his duties in March before being replaced by German counterpart Thomas Tuchel, and Kimmich was one of the few Bayern players that sympathised with his departure.

The 28-year-old is now pondering upon a move away from Germany this summer, and Barca have been touted as a possible destination.

The Catalan giants are in the market for a new defensive midfielder after Sergio Busquets announced he would end his 15-year association with the club this summer.

There are several candidates on Barca’s shortlist to replace the former Spain international and World Cup winner, including Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi.

However, Kimmich, who is versatile enough to also play at right-back, has attracted Barca’s interest, and the club are planning a summer move for the German, who they feel will cost less than Zubimendi.

Zubimendi has a €60 million release clause in his contract with Sociedad, who are unwilling to negotiate the fee, especially with the player’s contract set to run until the summer of 2027.

While Zubimendi is a favoured target for Barca, the Blaugranas are financially handicapped, meaning Sociedad’s asking fee is an unrealistic demand for the Spanish champions.

Barca are keen on Kimmich, but they will face competition from Manchester City, who are also in the market for a new midfielder, especially with uncertainty surrounding Ilkay Gundogan’s future.

Gundogan is at odds with Man City over a new contract, with his current deal set to expire this summer, and is also a target for Barca, with the Blaugranas plotting a free transfer at the end of the season.