Three Premier League clubs 'to battle for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha'

Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea reportedly retain an interest in signing Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha.

During the summer of 2022, the Cottagers held off competition from Wolverhampton Wanderers to secure the signature of the then-Sporting Lisbon man.

While the Portugal international's reputation was already high, it has since only been enhanced through his performances in the centre of the pitch.

Impressing in his 35 Premier League appearances during 2022-23 led to admiration from Bayern Munich, who were on the brink of signing Palhinha towards the end of the 2023 summer transfer window.

However, the Bundesliga giants missed the deadline to get a deal over the line, with Palhinha having to return to Craven Cottage disappointed, yet it did not stop him from penning fresh terms two weeks later.

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Although Palhinha is technically tied to Fulham until 2028, vice-chairman Tony Khan has recently acknowledged that "sensible offers" for the 28-year-old will be considered at the end of the season.

According to Football Insider, Bayern continue to monitor the situation at a time when they will have a new head coach in charge for 2024-25.

Nevertheless, the report adds that each of Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea are contemplating whether to make a concrete offer for Palhinha.

Liverpool - the Premier League leaders and recently-crowned EFL Cup winners - were said to be keen in the summer, only to focus their attention elsewhere with Moises Caicedo having initially been on their radar before they brought in Wataru Endo.

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The Japan international has proven to be a revelation, yet Liverpool could benefit from a greater physical presence in their engine room.

Arsenal may be in a position where they require reinforcements with Jorginho and Mohamed Elneny due to be out of contract at the conclusion of this campaign.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are also in need of more physically-imposing players for their midfield, with Palhinha fitting the bill to help the likes of Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.

Bayern are prepared to reignite their interest if Palhinha is available for "the right price" - the German side were happy to pay £50m last September.