Arsenal are now trying to find an unexpected missing piece to their puzzle this summer.
Thomas Partey’s contract talks have hit a stalemate over the Ghanaian midfielder’s wage demands and it is now likely he will depart the Emirates Stadium.
Jorginho has already left Arsenal this summer, leaving Mikel Arteta with just three recognised midfielders as Martin Zubimendi arrives in London for his medical.
Andrea Berta’s priority is to strengthen attacking areas with the club negotiating moves for Benjamin Sesko and Rodrygo among other targets. A loan move for a player with Premier League experience in the central midfield void would be a vital solution for the Italian.
READ MORE: Club make nine-word promise after luring Arsenal man away ‘against Mikel Arteta’s wishes’
Arsenal should sign Joao Palhinha on loan from Bayern Munich
Arsenal are interested in Warren Zaire-Emery as they look to add to Arteta’s midfield options alongside Declan Rice, Zubimendi and Mikel Merino.
Myles Lewis-Skelly could also be used in a midfield role but Arsenal’s interest in Lucien Agoume too, suggests the clubs are looking for another external addition.
Arsenal have a budget of £200m this summer but a large proportion of that will need to be spent on a centre forward and a winger.
According to the Mail, Fulham and a number of Premier League sides are interested in a loan move for Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha.
The Portuguese midfielder made a £48m switch to the German champions last summer but has fallen out of favour under Vincent Kompany.
Harry Kane believes Palhinha is an ‘animal’ as per Bavarian Football Works and the 29-year-old would be a perfect addition to the Gunners’ squad.
What Vincent Kompany has said about Joao Palhinha’s future at Bayern Munich
As per Sporting News, Bayern boss Kompany has remained coy on the future of the midfield powerhouse but hoped that Palhinha could overcome injury problems that hampered his first season in Germany.
Kompany stated: “He [Palhinha] played the full 90 minutes against Augsburg two weeks ago and did well, It’s always a balance. We have other players who did well. It’s not always about someone not doing well.
“It’s about the others. He was unlucky with injuries. But now he’s fully ready to help the team when his moment comes. Hopefully, he’ll show how good he is many more times in his moments to come”
Palhinha played just 24 times in his debut season at the Allianz Arena and with the Gunners desperate for strength in depth, he presents as an excellent market opportunity.
The midfielder has Champions League experience and already scored at the Emirates back in 2023 when he starred for Fulham in earning a dramatic point during a 2-2 draw.
With priorities elsewhere in the squad, a loan move would be a smart move from Berta, allowing the budget to be splashed on forward firepower.
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