Arsenal reportedly attempted to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha before the Club World Cup.
Mikel Arteta’s side were targeting the Portuguese star despite already being close to sealing a deal for Martin Zubimendi, who last week completed a £60million transfer to the Emirates from Real Sociedad.
The Gunners’ spending is nearing £200m this summer, with Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga also having completed moves, while Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera and Viktor Gyokeres are set to sign in the coming days.
But their outlay could have been even higher after they made an approach for Palhinha.
The Gunners were looking for an experienced defensive midfielder and viewed Palhinha as a solid option because of his impressive showings in the Premier League during his two-year stint at Fulham.
He moved to Craven Cottage from Sporting Lisbon for around £17m in 2022, before joining Bayern Munich for £48m last summer.
Arsenal reportedly made an approach for Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha this summer
The Portuguese star impressed during his two-year stint in the Premier League with Fulham
Arsenal targeted the midfielder despite being close to sealing a move for Martin Zubimendi
Despite winning the Bundesliga in his debut season, he endured a disappointing campaign.
The 30-year-old started just seven matches in the league and was sidelined with injuries for more than two months.
He also failed to contribute a goal or an assist in his 17 Bundesliga appearances.
And the German champions have already come close to cashing in on him, with Arsenal very interested in the midfielder earlier this summer, according to Bild, who claim there were ‘concrete discussions’ about the cost of a move.
But the two clubs were unable to come to an agreement, even though Bayern were reportedly willing to cut their losses and sell him for £26m.
Inter Milan as well as a number of other clubs in England, Italy, Spain, Turkey and Portugal are said to remain interested in the 30-year-old.
However, he is still intent on succeding in Munch and is only open to an ‘absolutely top offer’ such as the Arsenal move.
But Bayern have an abundance of central midfield options, meaning his game time could again be limited this season.
Mikel Arteta’s side are nearing an outlay of £200m in the window as they eye Viktor Gyokeres
Palhinha endured a disappointing debut campaign at Bayern despite winning the Bundesliga
Palhinha made just 17 appearances in the Bundesliga, but failed to record a goal or an assist
Leon Goretzka, Aleks Pavlovic, Tom Bischof, and Palhinha are all competing for a starting berth next to Joshua Kimmich.
While Konrad Laimer also plays in midfield but has been filling in at right-back.
Fulham have also explored a potential return for the midfielder Joao Palhinha, after he failed to make much of an impact in his first season away.
The Portuguese joined the Cottagers in the summer of 2022 and went on to score eight goals in 79 appearances.
A deadline day move to Bayern collapsed in 2023 with the Bavarians going on to get their man a year later.
