Arsenal are long-term admirers of 28-year-old but they face major competition to land him

With just a couple of months left until the end of the 2023/24 Premier League season, Arsenal are tantalisingly close to bringing to an end their 20-year search for the English top-flight title.

Not since the Invincibles season of 2003/04 have the Gunners held aloft the famous old trophy. So long ago, in fact, that they were still at Highbury back then.

Mikel Arteta’s young and vibrant side have improved upon their showing last season with some brilliant and high-scoring victories of late, but they’ve still not won anything.

Ultimately, the team he continues to shape will be judged on the amount of trophies they secure, not on how pretty their football is.

Whether or not this season is finally their year – and they face the stiffest of competition from both Liverpool and Man City – Arteta needs to ensure that his team continues to evolve.

Arsenal’s Joao Palhinha chase difficult

To that end, it’s easy to understand why Fulham’s Joao Palhinha would be of interest to the North London outfit.

The combative midfielder appears destined to leave the Cottagers at the end of the current campaign, but Arsenal face tough competition to land a player that’s likely to improve any team.

According to Football Insider, Liverpool are interested in his services, whilst Bayern Munich, who almost signed him in the summer, still retain in interest despite manager, Thomas Tuchel, departing the Allianz Arena at the end of the campaign.