In what could prove to be something of a midfield merry-go-round this summer, Bayern Munich are now exploring a deal for a player linked with Arsenal.
If reports are to be believed, Mikel Arteta has made it very clear that he needs a new central midfielder in order to bridge the gap to Manchester City.
Although Thomas Partey was effective towards the end of the season, the 31-year-old has provided no reason to believe he can stay fit over a 38-game campaign.
Similarly, Jorginho doesn’t seem to have the legs to play necessary minutes as Arsenal’s starting number six, better suited to a squad role.
In that respect, some may point to Declan Rice, one of the best holding midfielders in world football.
But Arteta’s plan to play Rice in a more advanced role is clear, meaning a new number six will be needed.
Fulham’s Joao Palhinha was once thought to be the solution.
Palhinha was linked with a move to Arsenal in January, interest that has seemingly now cooled amid Bayern Munich’s strong advances.
Bayern Munich want Arsenal target Amadou Onana after Joao Palhinha frustration
Although Bayern once seemed confident of landing a deal for Palhinha, they are now struggling to agree a fee with Fulham.
And Liverpool Echo are now reporting that Bayern have turned their attention to Everton’s Amadou Onana as a result.
Onana has long been linked with Arsenal, someone who could thrive as the pivot of Arteta’s midfield.
Although, if Bayern were struggling to agree a price with Fulham for Palhinha, they may have similar issues with Everton.
Arsenal were told they needed to pay £70m to sign Onana this summer – which may be why a move hasn’t progressed.
Of course, in the midfield merry-go-round described, Arsenal may actually benefit from Bayern signing Onana after all.
If Vincent Kompany’s side were able to sign Onana then he could be intended to replace Joshua Kimmich at Bayern.
And given that Kimmich would be keen to join Arsenal this summer, it could all fall into place – in an ideal world.
However, there’s likely to be a lot more twists and turns before any of the moves mentioned can be finalised.
And you never know, the situation may even lead to Arteta revisiting a deal for Palhinha himself.