Since Mikel Arteta was appointed manager in December 2019, a lot has changed at Arsenal.
The club have gone from a mid-table laughing stock into serious contenders for the Premier League, Champions League, and every other competition they participate in.
The Spaniard's tactical approach has facilitated that transformation, as well as the complete overhaul of the squad, with a host of star players coming in and many going the other way.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta during a lap of appreciation after the match
Perhaps one of the most popular players to have left the club in recent years was Granit Xhaka, who enjoyed a sensational turnaround from being public enemy number one to a crucial cog in the club's first title charge under Arteta and someone serenaded by the Emirates in his final appearance.
It would be fair to say that the team sometimes lack a certain tenacity since the Swiss international left, so fans should be excited about reports linking them to a player who could be their new Xhaka.
Arsenal's summer of business
As things stand, this summer is shaping up to be really quite special for Arsenal.
Andrea Berta and Co seem to be working overtime to get deals done in time ahead of pre-season, with Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Christian Norgaard already announced, while Nonie Madueke and Christian Mosquera have already undergone their medicals.
Add to that the free-scoring monster that is Viktor Gyokeres, who could well be having his medical tomorrow or on the weekend, plus the rumours concerning Eberechi Eze, and the Gunners look like they could be seriously dangerous next season.
Arsenal Gyokeres
Yet, the North Londoners don't appear to be done there, as they've also been linked with an international who could be looked at as Arteta's new Xhaka.
At least, that is according to a recent report from the German publication BILD, which has confirmed that Arsenal are interested in João Palhinha.
In fact, the report goes a step further, revealing that the Gunners have already held serious discussions over the midfield star.
A price is not mentioned in the report, but stories from last month claim he could be available for just £30m as he's no longer in Vincent Kompany's plans.
Bayern Munich's Joao Palhinha looks dejected as he walks off after receiving a red card
It might not be the most exciting of signings, but Palhinha is a known quantity, and someone who might be able to add some more bite to Arsenal's squad, just like Xhaka once did.
Why Palhinha could be Arsenal's new Xhaka
If Arsenal do go ahead with this transfer and are able to bring Palhinha to the Emirates, then there is a good chance he will join as a squad player, with Declan Rice, Zubimendi and Martin Odegaard remaining the first-choice midfield.
joao-palhinha-fulham-premier-league
However, that does not mean that he couldn't still have a significant impact, either as the first name off the bench or as a rotation option, as there are going to be plenty of games to be played.
With that said, why could he be Arteta's new Xhaka?
Granit Xhaka 2023-24 stats (timeless)
The first similarity is that, like the Swiss international, he'd be moving to the club from the Bundesliga. Additionally, last season saw him win the league, just as the former Gunners ace did in his first campaign back in Germany in 2023/2024.
Second, while he might not be as technical as an Odegaard-type, the Portuguese international is a warrior of a midfielder who gets stuck into challenges, even if it can sometimes be to his own detriment, just like the former Borussia Mönchengladbach star.
Fulham's Joao Palhinha in action with Luton Town's Issa Kabore
For example, in his 68 Premier League games for Fulham, he picked up 27 yellow cards, while the Basel-born ace picked up 55 in 225 games, working out at one in every 2.51 and 4.09 games, respectively.
However, you shouldn't read into that as the former Cottagers ace being a liability; it's more a matter of him constantly breaking up opposition play and putting out fires.
In fact, in the 23/24 season, the "world-class" international, as dubbed by journalist Dom Smith, made the most tackles in the entire league, coming in with 152, while second-place Joao Gomes only made 128.
Moreover, while he didn't get as much game time as he would have wanted last season, the midfield "monster," as dubbed by data analyst Marcus Bring, still has some seriously impressive underlying numbers to show for his efforts.
Palhinha's scout report
Statistics
Pass Completion % (Short)
GCA (Shot)
Tackles (Att 3rd)
Dribblers Tackled
Pass Completion %
Tackles Won
Touches (Mid 3rd)
% of Dribblers Tackled
Aerials Won
Passes Completed
Total Passing Distance
Tackles (Mid 3rd)
Passes Blocked
All Stats via FBref
According to FBref, he ranks in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe's top five leagues for goal-creating actions from shots, tackles in the attacking third, and dribblers tackled, as well as the top 3% for pass completion and more, all per 90.
Finally, even though he is most effective in defensive and central midfield, the Lisboa-born star is still capable of chipping in with goals here and there, as, like the Bayer Leverkusen ace, he's been known to score some long-range screamers.
Ultimately, while he might not be a regular starter, Palhinha would be an excellent addition to Arsenal's squad, and thanks to his tenacity, experience and ability to strike the ball, he could even be Arteta's new Xhaka.
Arsenal-Rodrygo Related
£34m Arsenal star is in talks to leave; it may free up room for Rodrygo
It might be time for the talented ace to leave Arsenal for good.