Arsenal could pursue Joao Palhinha with intent after Aston Villa priced them out of the running for top target Douglas Luiz.
According to Football Transfers, Arsenal might prioritise a move for Joao Palhinha as they could concede defeat in the hunt for Douglas Luiz. Mikel Arteta wanted the Brazilian, although Aston Villa’s insistence on keeping him and the price tag on his head makes it an improbable signing in January.
Arsenal intend to land a new defensive midfielder in January to shore up their squad and improve the chances of a title challenge. Mikel Arteta has grown frustrated with the constant unavailability of Thomas Partey as he could finally move on from the Ghanaian ahead of the next window and bring a succession plan in place.
Declan Rice’s presence strengthens the Gunners’ midfield, but Arteta feels the need to add depth and a new option in that position. Douglas Luiz remains his priority target ahead of January, with the Arsenal boss previously chasing the Brazilian in the summer of 2022.
Aston Villa rejected a series of bids back then and remains intent on doing so again should Arsenal or any other club make approaches. Luiz remains happy at the club and could fuel their improbable title challenge after recently helping Villa beat the Gunners at home.
They have climbed into third place and sit a point behind the Gunners, which puts them in a solid position to challenge for the title potentially. For that to happen, Unai Emery needs reinforcements plus the impetus to keep hold of his best players, especially Luiz. They have since slapped a £110 price tag on the Brazilian, which could price out Arsenal from the chase.
Joao Palhinha’s name emerged in recent weeks in connection with Arsenal, as Arteta may have already started looking at alternatives to Luiz. The Fulham star came close to leaving in the summer, only to watch his late move to Bayern Munich collapse.
Amid Arsenal’s reported interest in the midfielder, some reports tipped the Gunners to walk away from the Palhinha pursuit as Arteta reportedly does not favour his style. However, with the need for a new midfielder growing ahead of January, they might re-enter the race.
Palhinha would reportedly cost £50 million and has plenty of other suitors in the mix ahead of January. Bayern Munich could also re-enter the chase, but Arsenal might tempt him with the idea of challenging for the Premier League title.
