Bayern Munich have identified Joao Palhinha as their top target to strengthen the midfield this summer. The Bavarian club believes Palhinha is the ideal player for the number six position in the starting XI. Bayern tried to sign the Portuguese midfielder last summer on the deadline day.
Die Roten have been negotiating with Fulham for Palhinha during the last three weeks. They decided to revive interest in Palhinha after coming to an agreement with Vincent Kompany about the need for signing a defensive midfielder.
Fulham have rejected two bids from Bayern for Palhinha this summer. The Premier League club wants a fee closer to €65 million for the Portuguese midfielder. Bayern had agreed this transfer fee last summer on the deadline day, but they don’t want to pay the same amount this year.
The record Bundesliga Champions will make a final bid worth €46 million for Palhinha. The Portuguese midfielder has already agreed personal terms with Die Roten. While talking to media in Germany (via Sky Sports), Palhinha has put pressure on Fulham to grant a move to Munich.
"As far as my future is concerned, both clubs know where I want to be in a month. I am currently concentrating on my work with the national team and on making history for my country."Joao Palhinha
Bayern will not wait the entire summer for Palhinha. They hope to find a breakthrough in negotiations sooner rather than later. The Portuguese midfielder is desperate to seal a move to Munich after missing out on the transfer last summer. His words in the media may push Die Roten’s case of resolving the transfer as soon as possible.
The Bavarian club has alternatives for the defensive midfield role in case they fail to convince Fulham regarding Joao Palhinha. Everton’s Amadou Onana is one of the midfielders Bayern are interested in signing this summer. They also have an interest in Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte.
Palhinha will hope Bayern don’t have to look at other midfield targets by the end of the Euros. Die Roten have a good amount of leverage in negotiations due to the Portuguese midfielder’s eagerness to complete the transfer. Considering Palhinha’s age and experience at the top level, Bayern’s final bid is a fair valuation of the midfielder.
Elsewhere, Bayern are hoping to complete the transfer of Michael Olise after agreeing a fee with Crystal Palace. The Bavarian club is also keen on strengthening the attack by signing Xavi Simons. They have started negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain over a loan deal with an obligation for the Dutch attacking midfielder. Bayern also remain in talks with Bayer Leverkusen for Jonathan Tah. They have made progress in negotiations with the Bundesliga Champions after seeing the first bid rejected for the German defender.