Arsenal Are Keen On Recruiting This Bayern Munich Midfielder: Should Arteta Move In For Him? | OneFootball

In a recent report, Bild (subscription required) claimed that Arsenal are keen on recruiting Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha. It has been mentioned that the Gunners are eager to strengthen their squad by recruiting the Portuguese talent this summer.

Palhinha’s Good Form In German Football Last Season

Palhinha served as a useful squad player for the Bavarian club in the previous campaign when he managed to put in a few solid performances at the heart of their midfield. The 30-year-old made 25 appearances for Bayern last season but failed to score or register a goal for them on all fronts.

The Portuguese midfield ace deserves some credit for averaging 20 tackles, 13 blocks and four interceptions in the Bundesliga. He was accurate with his ball distribution from midfield after making 92.4% of his attempted passes in the German top tier (stats via fbref.com).

Palhinha is under contract at the Bavarian club until the summer of 2028 which could make it tough for Arsenal to snap him up on the cheap this off-season.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JUNE 24: Gianluca Prestianni #25 of SL Benfica is challenged by Joao Palhinha #16 of FC Bayern Munchen during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group C match between SL Benfica and FC Bayern München at Bank of America Stadium on June 24, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Should Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta Move In For Palhinha?

Palhinha loves a tackle and can scan the danger well to earn possession back for his team at the centre of the park. He doesn’t hesitate to clear the danger when needed and is an accurate passer of the ball as well.

However, the Portuguese talent has to find a way to earn more first-team starts if he wants to make the most out of the remainder of his career. Palhinha already knows the Premier League well from his time at Fulham and won’t take much time to settle into life at Arsenal.

We can expect him to add more bite and steel to Mikel Arteta’s midfield. He is more than capable of securing a regular first-team spot at the North London club next season.

At 30, Palhinha has still got a few good seasons left in him to play at a high level. Thus, it makes sense for the Gunners to move in for him before the end of this transfer window as he could help them compete for some major honours over the next few years.