Arsenal should now seek to hijack Bayern Munich’s pursuit of one Premier League star that Mikel Arteta really needs.
Arsenal must address the lack of depth in their midfield contingent in the summer transfer window.
Mohamed Elneny has already left the club, whilst Jorginho is in the twilight years of his career. Meanwhile, the time has come for Arsenal to move on from Thomas Partey. The Ghanaian is no longer the player he once was, and cannot be relied upon to be fit and available when needed.
Declan Rice represents the Gunners’ only long-term option in that part of the pitch, and what’s more, there is uncertainty over which role Mikel Arteta would prefer to deploy the former West Ham United man in going forwards.
Last season, Rice proved that he can have an impact at both ends of the pitch. Whilst he arrived at the Emirates Stadium with a reputation as one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League, but he has now shown that he can be extremely effective in a more advanced role, as the left-eight in Arsenal’s system.
Arsenal must beat Bayern Munich to Joao Palhinha
As such, Arsenal must now keep Rice’s versatility in mind, and bring in a player who still allows the England man to operate further up the pitch. To that end, Arteta must consider a swoop for Fulham’s Joao Palhinha, before Bayern Munich are able to secure his services.
As reported by The Standard, Fulham have put a £60 million price tag on the Portuguese ace who has been subject of an initial, rejected, offer from the German giants.
Why Joao Palhinha would be a perfect partner for Declan Rice at Arsenal
The 28-year-old has proven himself to be a devastating force in the Premier League, as Arsenal found out to their cost last season, when they dropped points home and away against the West London outfit in the Premier League. He has even been described as a “machine” by Fulham teammate Harrison Reed, as quoted by Sky Sports.
When the Cottagers came to the Emirates Stadium in August, Palhinha even popped up with a late equalising goal for the visitors.
The 27-cap Portugal international is a powerful presence in the middle of the park, is secure on the ball, and would be an ideal partner for Rice, providing a platform of security at the base of the midfield and allowing the Arsenal man to venture further forward.
If Arsenal can pick up Palhinha for a fee in the region of the mooted £60 million asking price then that would represent excellent business.