Bayern Munich reportedly identify a midfielder of interest to Arsenal as a potential alternative to Fulham’s Joao Palhinha.
Bayern Munich have reportedly identified a midfielder of interest to Arsenal as a potential alternative to Joao Palhinha.
The Bavarian giants are known to be in the market for a new centre-midfielder and Fulham star Palhinha has been a top target of theirs for the past 12 months.
Fulham vice-chairman Tony Khan admitted in February that the club would be open to selling the 28-year-old for the right price this summer.
Last summer, Palhinha’s proposed transfer to the Allianz Arena fell through at the 11th hour and Bayern have since been locked in negotiations with Fulham, but the player’s valuation is proving to be a stumbling block.
A recent report claims that Bayern are reluctant to meet Fulham’s £60m asking price of the Portugal international and are only willing to pay as much as £40m, raising concerns over whether a deal can be agreed this summer.
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Bayern weighing up move for Onana
If Vincent Kompany‘s side are unable to strike a deal with Fulham, they could turn their attention to Everton‘s in-demand midfielder Amadou Onana, according to the Liverpool Echo.
The report adds that Kompany is an admirer of Belgian compatriot Onana, who speaks fluent German after beginning his senior career at Hoffenheim before moving to Hamburger SV.
Bayern are said to view the 22-year-old as a cheaper and more realistic option now that they are struggling to agree a deal for Palhinha.
A separate report from Sky Germany claims that Onana is expected to leave Goodison Park this summer and is valued by Everton at around £50m, with the midfielder still having three years left to run on his contract.
Amid their well-documented financial concerns, the Toffees are looking to offload players this summer as they seek to avoid breaching the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.
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Bayern join race for in-demand Onana
Onana is one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe at present, with Bayern the latest club to join the race along with the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Barcelona.
Recent reports claim that the Gunners have made contact with Everton to discuss his availability this summer as they explore the possibility of replacing Thomas Partey, who has been strongly linked with a switch to Saudi Arabia.
Onana is currently away on international duty with Belgium at Euro 2024, and prior to the tournament, the midfielder admitted that he plans to put himself in the shop window to secure a move to a bigger club.
“At previous tournaments you have seen that the players who did well make the step up to the top clubs. That’s something I strive for,” Onana told Het Laatste Nieuws.
“I feel like presenting myself to the European top and showing what I have to offer. This European Championship is a stage.”
During his two seasons at Everton, Onana has made a total of 72 appearances in all competitions, including 30 Premier League outings in 2023-24 as the Toffees avoided relegation and finished 15th in the table.