Manchester United and Arsenal ‘eyeing’ Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha
Manchester United and Arsenal are among several clubs in the Premier League who are ‘eyeing’ Fulham defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha, according to The Sun.
Apart from the Red Devils and the Gunners, English top-flight rivals Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Liverpool and Chelsea are also monitoring the Portugal international.
However, the Cottagers’ head coach Marco Silva has no intention of parting ways with the 27-year-old. The Craven Cottage side’s manager is determined to resist any bids for his star.
Fulham signed Palhinha in the summer of 2022 from Sporting CP for £17 million. The Portuguese has since put in some impressive displays for the London-based club. His current contract runs until 2027.
The Cottagers were promoted to the PL for the current campaign. Silva has done a decent job so far, with the Craven Cottage side in the top half of the table, competing for a European place.
Palhinha has been pivotal to Fulham’s success. The 27-year-old has made the most tackles of any midfielder in Europe’s top five leagues. In the current campaign, the Portuguese has made 28 appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals.
Last summer, Man United acquired the services of Casemiro. The Brazil international has been one of our best players this season. Erik ten Hag has relied on the 31-year-old in the number six position.
Alongside the likes of Christian Eriksen or Fred, the former Real Madrid star has formed a decent partnership in the middle of the park for the Red Devils. The Dutch manager has found success at the club in a short time.
Arsenal signed Jorginho last month to bolster their engine room. Mikel Arteta also has Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka at his disposal as they gun for the PL title.
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However, the Old Trafford side seemingly lack depth in the defensive midfield position. However, will Palhinha opt to move to Manchester in the coming future if we make a move for him? Only time will tell.