Arsenal have held talks with Joshua Kimmich regarding a potential free transfer this summer, talkSPORT understands.
Kimmich sees his contract at Bayern Munich expire at the end of the season which would bring an end to a decade-long stay at the club.
As reported on Thursday, Bayern withdrew their offer of a new contract for the 30-year-old.
It is said that negotiations have taken place over the past few months but Kimmich has hesitated to put pen to paper on an agreement.
Talks remain ongoing, but there is an increased chance that the German international could leave in the summer transfer window.
Arsenal have taken the steps to express their interest by holding talks with Kimmich ahead of the market reopening.
The Gunners are set to see Jorginho and Thomas Partey leave the club this summer upon the expiration of their contracts.
Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino would remain as their central midfield options, although Kai Havertz has also played there.
talkSPORT reported last month that Arsenal have held talks at an advanced stage for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
The Spaniard looks set to join in a £51million move in the summer and could be one of two midfield arrivals alongside Kimmich.
However, it is also understood that Arsenal’s Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester City are monitoring the German.
Both clubs are keeping tabs on his contract situation at Bayern, who he joined in 2015 from fellow Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.
Kimmich can also play at right-back – a position both Liverpool and City may need to strengthen this summer with Trent Alexander-Arnold widely expected to join Real Madrid and Kyle Walker also set to leave Man City after his loan spell at AC Milan.
The Germany nation team captain has made 426 appearances for Bayern across ten-year spell with the Bundesliga giants.
He has won the German league title eight times, with a ninth looking likely this season as Bayern sit top of the table.
The midfield star was also part of their Champions League winning squad in 2020 and named UEFA’s Defender of the Season.
Kimmich has won 97 caps for Germany, with a century of international appearances due to be achieved this year.