Arsenal stance on Joao Palhinha revealed as Edu talks transfer targets

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Arsenal hold an interest in signing Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha.

Arsenal sporting director Edu recently gave an insight into the club’s plans for the upcoming January transfer window. Meanwhile, the Gunners have considered the viability of a move to sign Joao Palhinha.

The north London club would probably love to be busy in the winter market. However, their modest initial transfer budget could hold them back somewhat. Both Edu and Mikel Arteta will be aware, though, that upgrades are required.

Following in an injury-hit start to the season, bringing in defensive reinforcements must now be a priority for Arsenal. They have also been linked with a number of midfielders. Aston Villa ace Douglas Luiz has been called a “dream” target for Arteta. There has also been talk that Arsenal are on the lookout for an elite-level striker.

Edu has now spoken out publicly about the club’s transfer plans at this time. As quoted by The Mirror, the Brazilian said, “in January and the summer, it does intensify a bit. We are prepared, we have big people around the club to support me and the decisions. We always have our targets – it is important to be prepared for every single scenario – that is very important.”

Now having confirmed that Arsenal have fixed targets in mind, fans of the club will be expecting Edu to take decisive action and try to get deals done as soon as the transfer window opens. Getting new signings over the line will be tough, but Edu has proven his ability to strike up positive relationships with players, which will help him in his efforts to lure his top targets to the Emirates Stadium.

Where does Joao Palhinha fit in Arsenal transfer plans?

Plenty of supporters will be hoping that Palhinha is amongst those targets. The 28-year-old has proven himself, across his time at Craven Cottage so far, to be one of the most consistent and effective midfielders in the Premier League.

A powerful and tenacious presence in the middle of the park, the Portuguese ace is also extremely technically gifted and is tactically astute, excelling with his ability to read the game and position himself well to cut out opposition attacks. Palhinha would certainly be an exciting addition to the Arsenal squad.

However, as per The Mirror, whilst Arsenal admire Palhinha as a player, he is not considered a realistic target within the club. No talks have taken place with Fulham to discuss the player’s future and he is likely to be far beyond the Gunners’ financial reach this winter in any case.

Palhinha is an excellent player, but doesn’t fit the age profile that Arteta tends to target, and there is no reason to expect to see him in an Arsenal shirt any time soon.