Bayern Munich have issued a hands off warning to Barcelona and Manchester City as the duo eye a move for Joshua Kimmich.
The 28-year-old has become subject to interest from both Barca and City following a remarkable career to date with Bayern, winning eight Bundesliga titles as well as the Champions League. He was first brought to the club in 2015 by Guardiola, arriving from RB Leipzig, and has become a pivotal player since for the German giants.
Now, Barcelona have publicly declared an interest, with Xavi expected to be eyeing midfield targets this summer following the departure of Sergio Busquets. The Barca manager has made no secret of his admiration for the midfielder, with a recent interview revealing the La Liga club's intentions.
"He is a super top player, who understands the game in a fantastic way. If there is an open door, there will be a negotiation with Bayern," Xavi told Mundo Deportivo. ‘What is clear is that we need a player of a very high level in that position, otherwise, it will be very difficult to compete next year."
Barca remain subject to stringent FFP regulations, and they are reported to need to recoup £178million in transfer fees from player sales before they can pursue any transfer business. However, this is not the only obstacle to signing the player, with Bayern president Herbert Hainer making his stance on the player clear, criticising Barca for their approach.
"I don’t understand why they [Barca] openly and offensively flirt with our player," Hainer told Sky Sport Germany "Joshua Kimmich is an absolute cornerstone for us. He’s firmly in our plans for the future, for sure."
Kimmich is a versatile midfielder, with the ability to play either in a holding role or as a box-to-box player, he scored five goals and recorded six assists this season to underline his value to the Germans. He can also play as a right-back, with Pep Guardiola playing a key part in his early development.
Guardiola signed Kimmich for Bayern in 2015, immediately spotting his talents and deploying the then 21-year-old in defence at times, a role he later grew into. Guardiola could be in the market for a right-back and midfielder this summer, with Kyle Walker and Ilkay Gundogan both linked to moves away.
Joao Cancelo could be used as a bargaining chip, with the Portuguese set to leave City following the conclusion of his loan spell, with Bayern unlikely to match his £60 million buyout clause.
Guardiola could be tempted, with the German international's versatility praised by Guardiola during the 2015/16 season, with particular praise coming after a crucial title-race win against Borussia Dortmund in 2016.
"Don’t ever say he can’t play in defence,’ Guardiola said. "I just love this kid. He has everything. He played an outstanding game."
