Arsenal move for Joao Palhinha now 'one to watch' | OneFootball

Highlights

Arsenal are now among the clubs across Europe who 'admire' Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha, with journalist Ben Jacobs issuing a transfer update to GIVEMESPORT.

Palhinha has captured the imagination of Fulham supporters and Premier League fans alike since joining from Sporting CP in the summer of 2022, with the west Londoners splashing £20 million to bring him to Craven Cottage. However, after a little over a year, it's now suggested the Portuguese star could be on the move yet again, with big clubs taking a look at the midfielder.

Despite the interest though, it's suggested getting a deal across the line could prove problematic, with Fulham keen to hold out for a hefty fee.

Palhinha stock continues to rise following Bayern transfer collapse

It was only a lack of time - on Fulham's end - which prevented Palhinha from being announced as a Bayern Munich player during the 2022 summer transfer window, such was the advanced nature of that deal. It's reported that a fee in the region of £55 million had been agreed between the Bundesliga outfit and Fulham, which would've seen the Cottagers double their initial investment.

But given the lack of time at the end of the transfer window for Fulham to seek a replacement, the capital club were forced to pull the deal, with Palhinha sticking around at Craven Cottage instead. The midfielder was rewarded with a new contract a couple of weeks later, yet there is still a growing feeling that he'll depart Fulham in the coming months.

That's because clubs across the continent are monitoring his availability ahead of what promises to be a busy January transfer window. One of those being Arsenal, who according to reports are among the Premier League sides keeping tabs on Palhinha right now.

Ben Jacobs update - Joao Palhinha

When quizzed about the interest from Arsenal in Palhinha, journalist Jacobs admitted that it was genuine and the Gunners did 'admire' the Fulham star. However, the reliable reporter indicated Arsenal could face a hurdle when it comes to Fulham's asking price, given it's likely to be so high:

Palhinha the perfect fit for Arteta's plan

It's no secret Mikel Arteta has been keen to bolster his midfield for some time now, with both Declan Rice and Kai Havertz signed during the summer window, coasting in excess of £150 million for the pair. But even before the Rice and Havertz additions, Arteta was pushing the Arsenal board to sanction midfield arrivals.

Rewind 18 months or so and it was Douglas Luiz attracting the attention of the Gunners, with the Premier League title contenders having seen three bids rejected by Aston Villa. While the final offer may have only totalled £25 million, it's clear this is a position the Arsenal manager has wanted to improve for some time.

And while Rice will remain the number-one pick at the base of midfield, even if Palhinha was signed, the former Sporting star would still have a part to play in Arsenal's season. No player in the Premier League completed more tackles than Palhinha last season, indicating his ability to play as a lone holding midfielder.

Gap could open up in Arsenal midfield

Granted, Arsenal could justify splashing out the fee for Palhinha, should they green light an exit for Thomas Partey when the January transfer window opens next month.

It's suggested the Ghana international could be placed on the transfer list for Arsenal, as Areta eyes up a midfield reshuffle. That's according to ESPN, who claim Partey is no longer fancied by the Spanish manager and is seen as a player who could be discarded without any hesitation.