Manchester City now planning January move for ‘special’ £50m Arsenal target

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Arsenal may have to see off competition from Manchester City if they hope to sign Joao Palhinha in January, with the Premier League champions now interested in the Fulham star.

Marco Silva’s side look set to face a real battle to keep Joao Palhinha at Craven Cottage beyond next month.

Arsenal are admirers of Palhinha as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen in the middle of the park following another frustrating campaign for Thomas Partey.

Manchester City now preparing move for Arsenal target Joao Palhinha

The Daily Star reports that both Liverpool and Chelsea have cooled their interest in the 28-year-old. But the Gunners have not got a clear run to his signature by any means.

According to the latest report, Manchester City are now considering a move for the £50 million-rated midfielder. Pep Guardiola’s men look set to move Kalvin Phillips on in the January transfer window, and view Palhinha as a potential replacement.

Landing midfielder’s signature could hand one side big boost in title race

Palhinha has been a revelation since arriving in the Premier League. Certainly, Fulham are in line to make a huge profit on the £20 million they spent on the midfielder a couple of years ago.

And Arsenal may be hoping that he would be the addition which takes them closer to the Premier League title. Certainly, they will hope that they can convince him to move to the Emirates over the Etihad Stadium.

There is space for someone to come into the Arsenal midfield and make themselves a regular starter. Whereas at City, Phillips’ replacement is arguably going to face a fight to get into the team.

Having said that, Palhinha is a ‘special‘ player. And if he costs at least £50 million, neither club is likely to make a January move unless he is in line to take on a prominent role.

So it could be very interesting to see whether Arsenal or Manchester City makes a big push for his signature when the window arrives.