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Arsenal in serious negotiations to sign Joao Palhinha

By on July 17, 2025

Arsenal are reportedly in serious negotiations over a deal to sign Bayern Munich midfielder João Palhinha, as per German outlet Bild.

Following Thomas Partey and Jorginho’s departure as free agents, the Gunners have decided to revamp the midfield department by signing Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard.

The North London club have spent a fee north of £70m to buy the duo, but it appears Mikel Arteta isn’t satisfied with his midfield options yet as he wants to add more depth in this position.

Bild report that Arsenal have identified Palhinha as a concrete target and are already in serious negotiations to seal the deal. However, Arteta’s side aren’t the only club interested in the Portuguese as Inter Milan are also plotting a swoop.

Having displayed impressive performances for Fulham, Palhinha earned a move to Bayern Munich. The Bavarian club initially wanted to buy him in the summer of 2023 when their manager was Thomas Tuchel.

The move was very close to finalisation, but it fell through on deadline day. The German giants eventually purchased him last summer, but there was a managerial change at Allianz Arena with Vincent Kompany taking over from Tuchel.

Palhinha to Arsenal

Palhinha struggled to find regular game time under the Belgian last term, and Bayern Munich are reportedly prepared to cash-in on him ahead of next season. Kompany’s side purchased Palhinha for a fee of around £43m, but are ready to take a hit and let him leave for at least £26m.

Palhinha is a hardworking, dynamic midfielder and previously showcased his qualities in the Premier League during his time with Fulham. Therefore, he might be a shrewd acquisition for the North London club should they purchase him.

However, having already signed Zubimendi and Norgaard, they don’t need to invest more to add further depth in this position. Therefore, Arsenal would be better off saving the money to reinforce other areas.

Nevertheless, it is going to be interesting to see whether the North London club eventually opt to lure Palhinha to the Emirates Stadium before the end of this transfer window.

Meanwhile, following a five to six-week break, Arsenal have returned to pre-season, and their first game of the next campaign is less than a month away.