Arsenal to bring Bayern Munich star back to the Premier League: report

Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard have enjoyed a close-knit relationship at Arsenal
Arteta wants more quality in his side (Image credit: Getty Images)

Arsenal are considering bringing a Bayern Munich player back to the Premier League this summer, as Mikel Arteta makes important changes to his squad.

After falling short again in the Premier League title race, Arsenal are in serious need of upgrades to make that final step in their hunt for the elusive honour. Injuries haven't helped, with squad depth certainly an issue for the Gunners.

But while rumours are abound over them bringing in a new striker, Arsenal might actually be looking elsewhere in the squad.

Arsenal to make squad upgrades with Bayern Munich star

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is eyeing silverware at the Emirates

Arteta has his eye on a player from Bayern Munich (Image credit: Getty Images)

Indeed, with both Jorginho and Thomas Partey out of contract in the summer, Arsenal are in need of a defensive midfielder to come into the team and hit the ground running.

The Gunners could be in luck, therefore, with one unhappy Bayern Munich star offering his services to sides in the Prmeier League.

Arsenal defender Thomas Partey

Partey is out of contract at the end of the season (Image credit: Getty Images)

According to CaughtOffside, Joao Palhinha has made it a "priority" to return to the Premier League in the summer after his time at Bayern Munich hasn't really worked out, with Arsenal among the interested sides.

Palhinha signed a four-year deal at Bayern Munich last summer after completing his £47.4m move from Fulham, but he has been limited to just nine starts in all competitions and is seeking more regular game time back in England.

The Portuguese midfielder's agents are set to offer him to Arsenal, with Liverpool, Manchester United, West Ham and Nottingham Forest all potential destinations, too.

While nothing is concrete just yet, the report suggests that Bayern are willing to let Palhinha leave as well, with Joshua Kimmich having committed his future at the Allianz Arena and Leon Goretzka set to sign a new deal.

Joao Palhinha of FC Bayern München looks on during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and Sport-Club Freiburg at Allianz Arena on September 01, 2024 in Munich, Germany. Arsenal

Palhinha has struggled for game time this term (Image credit: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

In FourFourTwo's view, it makes sense that Palhinha would want to leave Bayern when considering his role has been reduced to a bit-part player, with his performances in previous Premier League seasons still making him an interesting proposition. Arsenal need upgrades in that area of the pitch as well, with Palhinha the ideal profile of player.

Transfermarkt values Palhinha at £34.2m.

Ryan Dabbs
Staff writer

Ryan is a staff writer for FourFourTwo, joining the team full-time in October 2022. He first joined Future in December 2020, working across FourFourTwo, Golf Monthly, Rugby World and Advnture's websites, before eventually earning himself a position with FourFourTwo permanently. After graduating from Cardiff University with a degree in Journalism and Communications, Ryan earned a NCTJ qualification to further develop as a writer while a Trainee News Writer at Future.