Arsenal are looking to bolster the ranks in January, and have reportedly set their sights on talented Brazilian midfielder Danilo.
The Lowdown: A hot prospect
The Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras gem is the latest Brazilian starlet to tantalise top European clubs with his stellar performances in South America.
He has already made 137 appearances for his current club and now boasts a transfer valuation of £22.5m, as per Transfermarkt.
The industrious midfield talent boasts a dynamic approach to his game and could prove an promising signing for potential high-profile suitors.
The Latest: Arsenal’s continued interest
The Sun are reporting that Arsenal are set to continue their spending spree and reinforce the squad in January, following acquisitions totalling approximately £118.9m in the summer.
Danilo was previously touted to be on the Gunners watchlist, with Callum Williams – a reporter for the Copa Libertadores – stating the current Premier League table toppers had issued enquiries regarding the player, who was the valued at around £21.5m, in August.
Interest cooled and a deal was not forged, despite injury worries, but with the Gunners’ deadline day target Douglas Luiz recently penning a new deal with Aston Villa, focus on Luiz’s compatriot has been reignited.
The Verdict: A shrewd signing
Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke appears to have given Arteta and sporting director Edu Gaspar the green light toward further deals in January; a burnout is feared with the likes of Bukayo Saka and Granit Xhaka playing every fixture to date this term.
Palmeiras rejected Arsenal’s advances for the 21-year-old several months ago, but with the Brazilian football calendar concluding before next month’s World Cup, the club’s Spaniard boss may be successful with a bid in the region of £26m.
With a robust approach that would aid a seamless transition into English football, Danilo has recorded a seasonal passing accuracy of 84% for Palmeiras, whilst making 2.0 tackles and completing 0.8 interceptions per match, as per SofaScore.
Arsenal writer Tim Stillman once labelled the sensation as the “long-term Xhaka replacement”, high praise indeed for a player so early in their promising career and given the need for midfield reinforcements, that reasoning will only add to why a move for the Brazilian gem makes a ton of sense this winter.
