Photo: Arsenal had targeted Paligna before the Club World Cup, but failed to negotiate the transfer fee
According to German media Bild, Arsenal was close to signing Bayern midfielder Palinia before the start of this summer's Club World Cup.
In order to introduce favorite players such as Walter Mad and Dias, Bayern also needs to sell some players to obtain funds this summer. According to Biography, a major transfer almost happened before the start of the Club World Cup: Arsenal was very interested in the 30-year-old Palinia. The report stated that the two sides had negotiated specific transfer fee figures at that time. The reason why Arsenal targeted the Portuguese midfielder is mainly because his experience of playing for Fulham from 2022 to 2024 made him very familiar with the Premier League.
In addition, his tough, uncompromising style of playing football is very suitable for the England field. Therefore, although Arsenal had spent 70 million euros to sign Zubimendi, they still regarded Paligna as the primary reinforcement target for the defensive midfielder. But in the end, the two sides were unable to reach an agreement.
So what will happen next in Palignia? There is currently news that Inter Milan is interested in him. In addition, according to Bistro, there are many quotes for him from England, Italy, Spain, Türkiye and his motherland Portugal.
But: Palignia's big dream is still to gain a foothold in Bayern. Only when he receives an absolutely top offer can he start thinking about it. Arsenal's offer at that time may be such a top offer...
, but it is also clear that Bayern has a little oversupply in the midfield: Gretzka (30), Pavlovic (21), new player Bischov (20) and Palinia are all competing for the starting position around Kimmich. And Lemmer is actually a midfielder, although he has been a replacement in the right back position recently.
In his first season at Bayern, Paligna failed to get a main position due to many injuries. Whether he will try again or choose to leave this summer remains to be seen.