Arsenal’s pursuit of a top-class defensive midfielder is no secret. Now, with links to Fulham powerhouse Joao Palhinha intensifying, could the Gunners have found the perfect solution?
The Portuguese international is rumoured to be on the radar of several Premier League clubs, but Arsenal’s interest seems particularly strong.
Arsenal could strengthen their midfield with a significant signing this summer – Fulham‘s commanding force, Joao Palhinha. The 28-year-old Portuguese international has caught the attention of top Premier League clubs, with ‘transfer insider’ Dean Jones suggesting the Gunners are firmly in the race.
Mikel Arteta has been linked with midfield reinforcements, including Martin Zubimendi. But Palhinha’s tenacity and Premier League pedigree could make him the ideal fit. A reported move to Bayern Munich failed to materialise last summer, and with Thomas Tuchel‘s departure from the German giants looking likely as Granit Xhaka’s Bayer Leverkusen run away with the Bundesliga, a path could open for Arsenal to swoop in.
Palhinha’s career trajectory has been jittery. Rising through the ranks of Sporting Lisbon‘s youth academy, he established himself at Braga on loan, after similar spells with Belenenses and Moreirense. His time with Braga showed Sporting he was now good enough to play for them and he did so for two years before his move to Fulham. The £18 million transfer fee reflected his growing reputation in Portugal, where he’s also become a regular for the national team.
Known for his combative style and exceptional tackling ability, Palhinha quickly became a key figure for Fulham after his move in the summer of 2022. He renewed his contract in September 2023, tying him down until 2028 with a club option for an another year.
While Fulham understandably value their star midfielder highly, a reported £50 million price tag is not so unreasonable in these days of ridiculous fees. Palhinha’s wages are estimated to be in the region of £80,000 per week according to Capology, reflecting his importance to Fulham as their joint-fourth highest earner, alongside former Arsenal man, Alex Iwobi. As an interesting aside, Fulham’s top earner is currently former Arsenal keeper, Bernd Leno on £130,000pw and their third highest earner is former Arsenal flop, Willian, who takes home £90,000pw.
Should Arsenal secure his signature, Palhinha’s arrival could significantly strengthen their midfield. His combativeness and tactical awareness would provide a strong defensive shield in front of the backline, something Arteta has been keen to address.
The Portuguese midfielder’s experience in the Premier League and his leadership qualities would also be valuable assets. Not unexpectedly, his goal-scoring contributions are not the most prolific (seven goals for Fulham, with one assist, in 69 matches), but his ability to protect the defence and orchestrate play from a deeper position would be a welcome addition to Arsenal‘s midfield. The Gunners, after all, are not short of a goalscorer with seven different names on the scoresheet in their last three games alone.