Arsenal abandon Douglas Luiz pursuit for Prem ‘machine’ who’ll cost 50% less

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Arsenal now appear to have given up their pursuit of Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz, and are moving on to an alternative target.

There have been recent links with Fulham star Joao Palhinha, and it now appears that Arsenal are ready to abandon their interest in Luiz to pursue the Portugal international.

Palhinha has been exceptional for Fulham this season, and even scored a late equaliser at the Emirates in August.

He signed a new contract at his club after a summer move to Bayern Munich collapsed, but it is still likely that he moves on given the interest in him.

Arsenal are now focusing on Joao Palhinha

A report from FootballTransfers has now revealed that Arsenal have baulked at Aston Villa’s asking price for Douglas Luiz, which stands at over £100m.

This has meant that they could now prioritise a move for Palhinha instead, with it claimed that he could be available for around £50m, and therefore 50% of what Luiz would cost.

Arsenal have “spoken internally” about a move for Palhinha, and he could be the answer to Mikel Arteta’s midfield dilemma. Whilst Kai Havertz has started to perform well in his role, the question marks over Thomas Partey’s fitness means that a new addition could be welcomed.

Palhinha could transform Arsenal in big games

Partey’s absence throughout the season has been a frustrating one, as the prospect of a midfield three of the Ghanian playing behind Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard is an intriguing one.

The trio have only featured together in midfield once, as Arsenal put in an impressive performance in the Community Shield.

Although Arsenal are just one point off the top of the table, their record in tough away games this season may start to raise alarm bells. Their only two defeats came against Newcastle and Aston Villa, whilst they also drew at Chelsea and left it late against Luton Town.

Whilst a more expansive midfield can be used at home, going to tough grounds, such as the upcoming trip to Anfield to face Liverpool, may require more steel in midfield. Without Partey available, Palhinha could be the solution.

Palhinha ranks as one of the best tacklers amongst European midfielders, and having him behind Rice, who could push further forward, can add even more defensive strength to the side, who already have the best defensive record in the league.

Games against Liverpool and Manchester City could help decide the title race, and Palhinha, who has been described by teammate Harrison Reed as a “machine,” could be a key addition to injecting more toughness into the Arsenal side as they chase their first Premier League triumph since 2004.