Romano drops transfer hint that Arsenal fans will LOVE

Cameron Smith

• 14 Jan 2024 16:30 CST
• 3 min read

Bayern Munich are reportedly unwilling to meet Fulham’s asking price for Portugal midfielder Joao Palhinha, leaving Arsenal in pole position to land him.

Palhinha, 28, was on the verge of a move to the Allianz Arena last summer, but a Transfer Deadline Day deal fell through after Fulham plugged the plug as they had not lined up an adequate replacement.

Instead, Palhinha stayed put and he soon signed a new contract at Craven Cottage, casting doubts over whether he would move in 2024.

FootballTransfers has been told that Fulham’s pursuit of Fluminense ace Andre has stalled due to the fact Marco Silva’s side deem signing another midfielder may be unnecessary as Palhinha looks poised to stay until the summer at least.

Reports over the past few months have suggested that Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea have all expressed their interest in Palhinha, while sources have informed us the Fulham man is viewed as a cheaper alternative to Douglas Luiz by Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners may lose Thomas Partey this year and signing a new central midfielder has been considered a priority in the market, with Palhinha near the top of their transfer wish list.

Although Fulham will likely demand a significant fee for the Portuguese international, Arsenal have been given a boost following reports that Bayern aren’t ready to match Palhinha’s price tag.

What has Fabrizio Romano said?

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has told CaughtOffside: “Bayern are clear – they have no intention to pay €75-80m for Palhinha, and that is what Fulham want for the Portuguese midfielder after he signed a new deal in the summer.

“Nothing is happening in January for Palhinha to Bayern, who have instead signed Eric Dier, and now their focus is on signing a new right-back.

“For Palhinha, let’s see if the situation can change with an English club trying to sign him in January, or if he will move in the summer.

“At the moment the situation is quiet, and his price makes it look difficult for something to happen in January as the only way is for top clubs to sell players before, but this is also not easy.”