Arsenal have thrown their hat into the transfer ring by expressing interest in Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha. The move has increased competition for the 28-year-old’s services, with Bayern Munich also eyeing him.
Palhinha, who remained at Fulham after a near-money move in the summer transfer window, was a mainstay in midfield, excelling in the Premier League with two goals. Arsenal’s interest expands the list of suitors for the Portuguese, who has been regularly called up for the national team.
Palhinha, Mikel Arteta’s new wish
Although Arsenal have put Palhinha on their target list for the January transfer window and next summer, there have not yet been any official overtures with Fulham or the players’ representatives. A possible move is expected to take place at the end of the 2023/24 season and will cost an amount of almost 50 million euros.
However, Arsenal are not alone in their admiration for Palhinha, Bayern Munich are also looking for his services. The Bundesliga champions attempted to sign him during the summer transfer window, but the transfer fell through on deadline day, prompting Palhinha to extend his contract with Fulham until 2028.
With four years left on his contract, Fulham are in a good position to negotiate with potential suitors. Furthermore, it is rumored that the club is already exploring replacement options, with Fluminense’s André being one of the candidates.
The battle for Palhinha comes at a crucial time for Fulham as they look to bounce back from a defeat at Anfield to Liverpool. With Arsenal and Bayern Munich just around the corner, the Portuguese midfielder’s future is being presented as one of the main topics of the next transfer window.