Arsenal

Arsenal: Charles Watts gives update on pursuit of Danilo

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Image for Arsenal: Charles Watts gives update on pursuit of Danilo

Journalist Charles Watts has claimed that Arsenal are long-term admirers of Palmeiras midfielder Danilo but are yet to make an official offer.

Watts gave a transfer update ahead of the window and spoke about Arsenal’s interest in the young defensive midfielder.

Arsenal are known admirers of the 21-year-old, who was part of a Palmeiras side that won the Brazilian Serie A and back-to-back Copa Libertadores titles in 2020 and 2021.

Already featuring 141 times for the South American giants, Danilo’s success has arguably gone under the radar at the club following the rise of Real Madrid-bound Endrick, but the Gunners are one of the sides who are monitoring him as a potential alternative to Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey.

Watts revealed on his YouTube channel that Arsenal are well aware of his situation at the club, but they are yet to make a formal move for him.

He said: “From my understanding on this one, Palmeiras would be open to potentially letting him go this January. Arsenal we know have been interested in Danilo before, they were kind of pushing to try and see if they could get something done in the summer, it didn’t [happen].

“My understanding on this one is at the moment Arsenal haven’t made any official contact.”

TIF Thoughts on Watts’ comments…

We think signing Danilo would prove to be a great move for Arsenal, with their midfield options besides Xhaka and Partey being rather limited.

The Brazilian would offer experience beyond his years as a two-time Copa Libertadores winner, though Palmeiras president Leila Perreira has announced his side are yet to receive any offers for the youngster.

Arsenal’s reported priority target still appears to be Mykhaylo Mudryk, and although an attacking arrival is more likely to be focused on due to Gabriel Jesus’ injury, given his experience and the current make-up of the Gunners midfield, Danilo could yet prove a good addition once their priority is taken care of either in January or the summer window.

Both Xhaka and Partey are key players and it would take a fine talent to displace them, but considering the lack of opportunities being handed to Mohamed Elneny and Albert Sambi Lokonga, both are players Mikel Arteta would perhaps be happy to move down the pecking order to pave the way for the Brazilian.

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