Medical Completed: Viktor Gyokeres completes full Medical to join Arsenal, set to be announced today as the Gunners welcomes him with a legendary squad number
Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha, as per German football expert Christian Falk.
The Gunners have decided to revamp the midfield department by signing Christian Norgaard and Martin Zubimendi. Jorginho and Thomas Partey were the two defensive midfield options for Mikel Arteta’s side, but they have entered their 30s, so they have been allowed to leave for free.
Apart from signing two new midfielders, Arsenal have purchased Kepa Arrizabalaga and Noni Madueke with Viktor Gyokeres and Cristhian Mosquera set to follow. Therefore, their spending has gone over £200m.
It has been suggested that Arteta wants a new left winger, but he can’t afford one without raising funds by selling stars, with Oleksandr Zinchenko and Reiss Nelson linked with a move away.
However, Falk reports that despite purchasing Zubimendi and Norgaard, Arsenal are still interested in adding a new midfielder and have registered their interest in Palhinha.
The Portuguese has struggled to find regular game time at Allianz Arena since joining from Fulham last summer. So, the Bavarian club are ready to cash-in on him, but the player is keen on staying and fighting for his place.
Palhinha to Arsenal
However, the player might change his stance should a Champions League club like the Gunners eventually make a concrete approach. It has been reported that Bayern Munich are prepared to let him leave for around £26m.
The journalist says that apart from Arsenal, Tottenham are also interested in him, and considering they have also secured Champions League football next season, the player would be tempted to join the Lilywhites should they make a move.
Palhinha is a talented player and previously showcased his qualities in the Premier League during his time with Fulham. However, Arsenal don’t have to invest more to add further depth in the holding midfield position. Instead, they would be better off saving the money to sign a new left winger.
Nevertheless, it is going to be interesting to see whether the North London club eventually make a concrete approach to secure his service. Meanwhile, Arsenal faced AC Milan in the first pre-season game and managed to win 1-0.
