Arsenal are interested in Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha, with Mikel Arteta reportedly impressed by the 28-year-old’s Premier League performances.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 29: Joao Palhinha of Fulham celebrates after scoring their team's fourth penalty in the penalty shoot out during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage on August 29, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 29: Joao Palhinha of Fulham celebrates after scoring their team’s fourth penalty in the penalty shoot out during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage on August 29, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

Arsenal‘s interest in Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha has been confirmed by English journalist Ben Jacobs, as the club looks to strengthen its midfield.

The Gunners, under the management of Mikel Arteta, are reportedly impressed with the 28-year-old’s performances in the Premier League this season.

Palhinha has featured in 20 games and scored two goals for Fulham this season.

The pursuit of the midfielder could be challenging due to Arsenal‘s financial situation in the current transfer window. However, the possibility of a deal is not ruled out.

PORTO, PORTUGAL - OCTOBER 13: João Palhinha of Portugal during the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between Portugal and Slovakia at Estadio do Dragao on October 13, 2023 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
PORTO, PORTUGAL – OCTOBER 13: João Palhinha of Portugal during the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between Portugal and Slovakia at Estadio do Dragao on October 13, 2023 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)

Fulham, already anticipating Palhinha’s potential departure, are advancing with the signing of André, a 22-year-old Brazilian talent from Fluminense, as a replacement.

Arsenal are also considering selling Thomas Partey to finance the signing of Palhinha.

Partey, whose persistent injury issues have raised concerns about his long-term viability in the team, is approaching the final 18 months of his contract.

This situation presents an opportunity for Arsenal, with interest in Partey from Saudi clubs and Juventus, although the latter are said to have moved to other targets due to Partey’s injury problems.

Palhinha, who was close to joining Bayern Munich last summer, has attracted attention from several top Premier League clubs, including Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea.

With Partey’s future uncertain and Arteta awaiting his return to the first team, the prospect of acquiring Palhinha is gaining more traction.

However, a crucial aspect of this potential transfer, or any in this window, will be Arsenal‘s ability to finance such a high-profile signing amid stiff competition from other elite clubs.