Arsenal are reportedly rivalling Tottenham in an attempt to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha this summer. 

The Gunners have already added Martin Zubimendi in central midfield, and they also signed Christian Norgaard from Brentford to add more depth. However, it seems that they aren’t done there with regards to central midfield reinforcements.

With ongoing discussions to bring in more attackers, Arsenal have also been linked to former Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha, with reports in Germany suggesting that the Gunners are in ‘serious negotiations’ to sign the Portugal international.

However, according to a report by the Daily Star, bitter rivals Tottenham are now in the race for Palhinha, and are expected to rival Arsenal for his signature. It comes after a season where the Bayern Munich midfielder failed to make much impact for Vincent Kompany’s side, making just six starts in the Bundesliga.

He joined the German club for £47m just last summer, but reports have claimed he could already make his return to England, with the two North London sides the current frontrunners to land the 30-year-old.

Arsenal told they “don’t need” Palhinha

Amid the current reports, former Gunner Ray Parlour said last week that he believes Arsenal should spend their money elsewhere rather than on Palhinha; although he wasn’t doubting the midfielder’s ability.

Parlour said: “He was very good at Fulham, has gone to Bayern Munich, a big money move, but I don’t think they [Arsenal] need him.

“They’ve got Zubimendi coming in in central midfield, who’s going to be that holding player. They’ve got Norgaard, who is really good cover, a very experienced player, captain at Brentford, so he knows how to deal in Premier League games. For me, Palhinha, I’m not saying he’s not a bad player, he’s a good player, but I don’t think they need him. They should spend their money elsewhere.”

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