Joao Palhinha in action for Fulham. (Getty)
Arsenal are reportedly eyeing up a potential move for Fulham defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha this summer.
The Lowdown: Another win
Arsenal secured another big win under their belt in terms of the Premier League title race, dismantling Fulham 3-0 at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon with all three goals coming in the first half.
Palhinha was out with suspension, and the game showed just how much the hosts missed him and how important he is to their midfield.
The Latest: Palhinha interest
As per The Sun, the Gunners are ‘monitoring’ Palhinha ahead of a potential move this summer, but will face competition from Manchester United, Newcastle United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur for his signature.
His value has more than doubled to £40m+ since Fulham signed him from Sporting for £17m last summer, after an impressive run of performances this season.
The Verdict: Sign him and Rice
It has been reported that Declan Rice is ‘likely’ to sign for the North Londoners from West Ham United this summer, and adding Palhinha would boost Mikel Arteta‘s options in midfield in terms of quality significantly.
Hailed as a ‘special player‘ by his former manager at Sporting Ruben Amorim, and ‘sensational‘ by journalist Josh Bunting, Palhinha has been one of the standout midfielders not just in the Premier League, but in Europe over the past year, ranking in the 99th percentile for tackles per game as well as in the 93rd for clearances and 91st for aerials won per match (FBRef).
Lauded as an ‘artist‘ by Bunting, the six-foot-three colossus is also tidy on the ball, and so would fit in nicely at the Emirates Stadium.
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