Arsenal ‘really admire’ £65m star and he’s now ‘one to watch’ for January transfer

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Arsenal could be set to enter the transfer market for a new midfielder in January, and have been linked with Fulham’s Joao Palhinha.

The 28-year-old was strongly linked with Bayern Munich over the summer before signing a new deal in West London, but he could still end up moving in January, and Arsenal have a genuine interest in him.

Palhinha has been excellent for Fulham since his move from Sporting CP at the start of last season, and he has been a key figure for Marco Silva’s side, who are currently flying in the Premier League having won their last two games 5-0.

Arsenal admire Joao Palhinha ahead of January window

Journalist Ben Jacobs has now told GIVEMESPORT that whilst a deal does look difficult, Arsenal are big admirers of Palhinha.

“He’s a player Arsenal really admire and we know about the Bayern Munich interest as well, but price tag is a problem because Arsenal spent big last summer,” he stated.

“A lot is just going to depend on whether or not Arsenal can find the finances within financial fair play during the mid-season or the summer windows to have another big push.

“Of course, going far in the Champions League this season, winning the Premier League getting back into the Champions League and getting prize money will all help them ahead of the summer.

“I think that January is a lot harder, because the price is going to be £65 million plus. And as soon as the price becomes that high, despite Arsenal’s admiration and their interest being very genuine, they simply won’t be able to move. So this is one to watch in the sense that the Arsenal interest is there.”

Should Arsenal move for Joao Palhinha?

Palhinha has established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League, and he could play alongside Declan Rice in what could form one of the strongest defensive units in Europe.

The Portgual international astonishingly ranks in the top 1% of midfielders for tackles, and is also outstanding when it comes to clearances, interceptions, blocks and aerial duels.

Should he join, it could free Rice up to push further forward, but this may not solve a key issue for Arsenal.

The departure of Granit Xhaka meant that Arsenal are lacking some “guile” near the opposition box, as Kai Havertz continues to find his feet. Whilst Palhinha could add a lot defensively, he may not solve Arsenal’s issues going forward.

At 28, Palhinha is certainly not young, and given the potential fees needed to sign him, Arsenal may struggle to complete a deal in January.

He is therefore a player who could strengthen the squad in the short-term, but he may not be the answer for Mikel Arteta as he tries to build a perfectly balanced midfield trio.