Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha is already wanted by several Premier League clubs and according to The Sun, Man United and Arsenal are now part of this group as well.
Fulham paid €20 million to sign the Portuguese midfielder last summer and it’s safe to say he’s been one of the standout players in the Premier League this season. So far, he’s played in 24 league games for the Craven Cottage outfit and there’s a big chance he will be playing for a new side next season.
Teams like Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Spurs have already registered an interest in the 27-year-old and now the Gunners and Manchester United have also joined the bandwagon.
Both United and Arsenal are in need of midfield reinforcements so it is not a surprise that they are eyeing one of the best defensive midfielders in England right now. However, they will have to put up one hell of a fight in order to bring him on order.
Another problem these interested sides are going to face is the possible high transfer fee for Joao Palhinha.
He’s been with Fulham for just one year and the London side paid a lot of money for him so there’s no way they are not going to let him leave for a bargain fee.
His current contract runs until 2027 so Fulham are in no hurry to cash in him, hence there’s every chance the club are going to slap a crazy price tag on Palhinha’s shoulder.
Fulham have been doing really well this season but they are not a very big club so if someone like Liverpool, Chelsea or Arsenal come calling, Joao Palhinha won’t be able to resist.
Someone like him will definitely want to play for a top-six but whichever club wants him will have to shell out a massive amount.
In today’s day and age, any player who has four years on his contract will not be cheap and because his current market value is €28 million, Fulham can easily quote €60-65 million for him.
Talking about individual teams, barring Chelsea, every interested club is in need of a defensive midfielder but then the Blues will likely sell players like Kante and Loftus-Cheek so they will also need reinforcements.
