Arsenal appear ready to make a move in the January transfer window.
The club are light in midfield in terms of depth and it seems their attention has turned to Palmeiras midfielder Danilo, who they are ‘confident’ of signing in January according to reports.
According to Bola VIP in Brazil, Palmeiras are resigned to the fact that they will need to sell in this coming transfer window for financial reasons. They say that Danilo is highly rated by Arsenal and that the Gunners are confident they can sign him in January.
Arsenal were in the market for a new central midfielder on deadline day in the summer. It was widely reported that the club had a couple of bids rejected for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz. Luiz has now gone on to sign a new contract.
Danilo has been a long-term target for Arsenal and appears to be high on the list for a new midfielder. Because of how the Brazilian campaign runs, the English summer window made it difficult for a move to happen as it was mid-season for his club, Palmeiras.
January presents a real opportunity, now that the Brazilian season is over, for Arsenal to finally secure this deal.
Danilo can play both as a holding midfielder, but also more advanced. Being left-footed he could play in Granit Xhaka’s position and also deputise for Thomas Partey.
Danilo is regarded as one of the most talented players in Brazil right now and aged just 21, he is of the right age profile to fit the strategy of recent recruitment at Arsenal. With Xhaka 30 and Partey 29, a young central midfielder is also certainly welcome.
English media outlets including 90min have more recently backed up these claims too.