Bayern Munich are close to reaching an agreement with Aaron Ramsey as his Arsenal contract runs down, according to information received by Goal and SPOX.
The Bundesliga giants are staying tight-lipped when it comes to a move for the Wales international, but he will not be signing fresh terms in north London and is set to hit free agency in 2019.
Bayern can officially open negotiations on January 1, when Ramsey is free to enter into pre-contract talks with clubs outside of England.
Goal and SPOX understand that Bayern are leading a group of six clubs pursuing the 27-year-old’s signature.
Barcelona, Juventus, Inter, Manchester United and Chelsea are also keen on the Gunners star and have put offers forward.
Ramsey is readying himself for a new challenge after revealing that an extension discussed with Arsenal has been rescinded .
He said in October of a long-running and slightly puzzling saga: “There is no contract on the table at the moment so there is nothing for me to consider.
“We all know that the contract was taken away off the table. I’m not sure exactly why because a few weeks before we sort of agreed and I was ready to sign.
“Something happened, I am not sure exactly what, but that contract is no longer there, or nothing’s on the table.”
While planning to head for pastures new, Ramsey has already stated that he will see out the 2018-19 campaign at Emirates Stadium .
He said: “Would I stay for the rest of the season? Of course, yeah.
“I am contracted to Arsenal and I am going to do my best now this season to try and achieve something special.”
It appears as though Ramsey will not be the only new arrival at the Allianz Arena next summer should he reach an agreement with Bayern.
GettyA deal is also said to be in place for the reigning Bundesliga champions to acquire France international defender Benjamin Pavard from Stuttgart.
The 22-year-old is said to have given his word to Bayern that he will be making the move while helping his country to global glory at the 2018 World Cup.
He has a €35 million (£31m/$40m) release clause in his contract that is set to be triggered.
Bayern are making early moves to bolster their ranks after enduring a testing start to the 2018-19 campaign, with Niko Kovac’s side currently sat fifth in the Bundesliga, seven points off the pace being set by Borussia Dortmund.
They acknowledge that they need to freshen things up, with it also being suggested that certain players will be moved on.
James Rodriguez may be among those, with the Colombian playmaker no longer guaranteed to see a two-year loan from Real Madrid turned into a permanent transfer.
If he were to depart, then the potential arrival of Ramsey would help to fill that midfield void in Bayern’s squad.