Arsenal are an attractive outfit under Mikel Arteta.
The Spaniard has made the Gunners UEFA Champions League regulars again after six years out of the competition from 2017 to 2023 – while targets also know they will be joining a side who play attractive, positive football.
Arsenal are also financially secure and can offer enticing salary packages.
Despite this, Arsenal were actually rejected by Joao Palhinha last summer – with the Portugal international opting for Bayern Munich instead – but he has now expressed a tinge of regret after a difficult season under Vincent Kompany.
Joao Palhinha addresses situation at Bayern Munich
Palhinha rejected Arsenal in preference of a £43.4m move to the Allianz Arena – after an outstanding 2023/24 campaign with Fulham.
However, the Bayern Munich No.16 has only been given five Bundesliga starts by Kompany, along with two in the UEFA Champions League and just one in the DFB-Pokal, with Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka preferred in midfield.
Discussing his situation, Palhinha told BILD: “I don’t care about rumours. I’m still happy at Bayern. Of course, I want things to be different. This season hasn’t been easy for me at times, but this isn’t the first time in my career. I’m here because I’ve done some things very well before. I know what I’m capable of, and I’ll fight for playing time. I want to win titles here.”
The 29-year-old last started a Bundesliga match in March as Bayern Munich quickly went 2-0 up against VfL Bochum at the Allianz Arena, but proceeded to get himself sent off and watch his side lose 3-2 on a day where Kompany would not have been impressed by any means.
Arsenal have moved on
It feels highly unlikely that Arsenal will revisit their interest in Palhinha.
Here, there and everywhere. 🇵🇹
Sit back and enjoy a João Palhinha masterclass. 🍿#FULMUN pic.twitter.com/vxcZwEPa8o
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) November 14, 2022
Not only is the man from Lisbon determined to succeed in Bavaria, but Arsenal also expect Martin Zubimendi to join this summer from Real Sociedad, which will fill Arteta’s desire for a new central midfielder.
Andrea Berta has replaced Edu Gaspar as Sporting Director, and after plenty of groundwork on a deal for the Spain international, the Gunners feel they have won the race for his signature ahead of Liverpool and Real Madrid.
