Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich told media that he would reveal his decision to either extend his contract or move away from Bavaria on a free transfer before the March international break.
As has been endlessly poured over, Kimmich's current deal at Bayern expires in June. A bustling queue of suitors from across the continent has formed as the prospect of signing the captain of Germany's national team on a free transfer remains a reality.
Paris Saint-Germain have tabled an official written offer for Kimmich. The links to Arsenal have gone cold, but Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Real Madrid are all interested.
Bayern Munich are very much keen on keeping their totemic midfielder, even if they did withdraw their latest offer after Kimmich went weeks without responding to the presented terms.
Speaking after Bayern swept Bayer Leverkusen aside in the first leg of their Champions League knockout tie on Wednesday, Kimmich told media: "A decision will definitely be made soon. The ball is not in my court. My plan was to do it before the international break. The club wanted it before the two Leverkusen games. I'm noticing that Max [Eberl] is honest and is fighting."
Eberl, Bayern's member for sport on the club's board, has been actively pushing to renew Kimmich's contract while the rest of the hierarchy are wary of over-paying a 30-year-old. Kimmich confirmed that "other clubs play a role" in his decision
"It's not about squeezing out the last euro," the player insisted to BILD. "I know that Max [Eberl] is very honest and is fighting. I really appreciate that. I also don't have the impression that I'm totally greedy. It's not about squeezing out the last euro. Max knows that. We had very good talks.
"My plan was to make my decision before the international break. The club didn't want that, which is legitimate. I appreciate that they gave me a lot of time. It was important to get off to a good start this season after a difficult last season and build a relationship with each other again.
"The club now wanted to have a decision before the two games against Leverkusen. For me the injury complicated things a bit, without going into details. But there will be a decision soon. I don't know if it will be between both legs [against Leverkusen], but it will definitely be before the international break at the latest."
Bayern host Bochum on Saturday before travelling to Leverkusen for the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on Tuesday. The Bavarians' final match before the international break is in the capital against Union Berlin on 15 March.
Kimmich will almost certainly be involved in Germany's two Nations League fixtures against Italy on 20 March and three days later.
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