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Tottenham are back to the negotiating table with Bayern Munich – and getting one over on their north London rivals in the process
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Tottenham are in talks to land a midfielder that Arsenal failed to agree a deal for a matter of months ago. The Gunners already have a headline signing in that department, in the shape of Martin Zubimendi, but they had spied another opportunity to bolster Mikel Arteta’s ranks. They never managed to get it off the ground, however, and may now suffer the ignominy of watching their former target pitch up round the corner with their close rivals. Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha’s first season in Germany has not entirely gone to plan, unable to climb beyond Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka and Konrad Laimer, among others, in the pecking order under Vincent Kompany. It prompted Arsenal, according to a Bild report, to explore the former Fulham man’s availability, diving deep into the financial side of a potential agreement, but it never came to fruition. Fast forward to now, and The Athletic are reporting that rivals Tottenham are in talks with the German giants to loan Palhinha, favouring that over a permanent deal. It could mirror a similar deal Spurs have just concluded with Die Roten, which saw them loan Mathys Tel before finalising a permanent switch this summer. The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. Palhinha has three years left to run on his current Bayern contract, but having made just 25 appearances in all competitions last term, his long-term viability at the Allianz Arena is in doubt. The 30-year-old signed for Kompany’s side just 12 months ago, in a substantial deal worth around €51m, according to The Athletic. In Four Four Two’s opinion, Palhinha is not the sort of signing that will knock Spurs fans off their feet, but he could be the player they need. They have plenty of talent going forward, with more added in their acquisition of Mohammed Kudus, but could do with some more grit in midfield, lost since the departure of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to Marseille last year. They will hope teenager Archie Gray is one day capable of taking on that task by himself, but while he adjusts and grows into England’s top tier, it wouldn’t be a bad idea for Spurs to bring in a wily Premier League operator like Palhinha. Palhinha is valued at €30m, according to Transfermarkt. Isaac Stacey Stronge is a freelance football writer working for Four Four Two, Manchester United and Football League World. He has been a season ticket holder at Stockport County throughout the Hatters’ meteoric rise from the National League North to League One and is a die-hard Paddy Madden fan. You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
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