Arsenal could see their transfer plans impacted by Bayern Munich finally confirming Joao Palhinha’s move from Fulham. The Portugal international was on the verge of joining Bayern 12 months ago only for that move to collapse at the eleventh hour.
As such, Palhinha spent another season at Craven Cottage with further excellent performances seeing Bayern hold their interest. Following the opening of the summer window, the German giants entered talks with Fulham over a transfer for Palhinha and while there was some delay, his arrival at Allianz Arena was confirmed on Thursday.
Earlier this year, the Gunners were briefly linked to Palhinha as a potential midfield addition, though his heart always appeared set on joining Bayern. In his first interview, the 29-year-old said: “It’s a dream come true for me and I’m very proud of that.
“I’m looking forward to the atmosphere and the fans at Allianz Arena. I want to win titles. I will give everything to achieve that. This is one of the happiest days of my life.” With Palhinha’s move, in a £47million deal from Fulham, now confirmed, Arsenal could look to strike a bargain deal for Joshua Kimmich with the versatile German expected to depart Bayern this summer.
The potential ramifications of Palhinha’s move are rather significant and it could also impact exits as well as new signings. Emile Smith Rowe is one of many Arsenal stars linked to an exit this summer with Fulham holding a long-term interest in 23-year-old.
Reports suggest the Cottagers have launched offers to sign Smith-Rowe but they are still yet to reach Arsenal’s asking price which is said to stand at £25million. However, Marco Silva can no easily reach that fee with just over £40million acquired from the sale of Palhinha.
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If the Gunners can sell Smith Rowe for a sizeable fee it would count as pure profit on the club’s books, as he is an academy graduate, which would likely see any lingering profit and sustainability concerns dissipate.
Crystal Palace are also said to be interested with the Eagles fresh off also selling a star player to Bayern Munich following Michael Olise’s exit. With that in mind, Arsenal could enter negotiations holding the upper hand with both interested parties certainly capable of affording Smith Rowe ahead of the 2024/25 season.
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