Arsenal face transfer battle after ‘reviving interest’ in £21m Danilo

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Arsenal reportedly face competition from Ajax and Monaco for Palmeiras star Danilo as Mikel Arteta looks to add to his midfield. The Brazilian originally emerged as a target for the Gunners over the summer and the club are said to have revived their interest in the player who comes with a £21million valuation. 

Danilo was originally linked with a move to the Emirates in the final days of the summer transfer window following injuries to Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny. However, Arteta focused his attention on trying to sign Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz instead as he decided against solidifying his initial interest. 

Part of the reason nothing came of the initial interest is the Brazilian football season, which runs from April to November rather than August to May which is standard in Europe. Palmeiras were top of the table in September and reports suggested they were unprepared to let one of their best players go for anything less than his £86m release clause which put Arsenal off. 

Palmeiras tied up the title and could now be open to letting Danilo leave for less money. ESPN reports that the club have placed a £21m valuation on his services, which is something that could tempt the Gunners back in. However, it will not be plain sailing for the Premier League side with Ajax and Monaco also weighing up making a move. 

The 21-year-old comes with substantial experience for his age having made 141 appearances since making his debut in 2020. He tends to reside in a holding role but is also capable of playing more advanced. Despite playing in a defensive position he has still managed to contribute offensively, scoring 12 and producing a further nine assists in all competitions. 

Danilo is not the only midfielder to have been linked with a move to the Emirates over January with Leicester man Youri Tielemans also believed to be one of Arteta’s top targets. The Belgian international’s contract at the King Power expires at the end of the season but the player himself had been reluctant to comment about a potential move. 

“I’m not going to speak too much about my contract situation at the moment,” he said over the World Cup. “My family is very happy there [in Leicester] and that’s important. I didn’t leave in the summer as I always said the project had to be the right one.

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“Just because things are getting worse now at Leicester doesn’t mean I should regret [staying]. Whether you are in your last contract year or not, it’s also not the case that I talk to the club every day about my extension or not. That’s work for my agent.” 

It remains to be seen whether or not Arsenal will make a move for Danilo over January but it looks increasingly clear midfield additions will be a key priority over the transfer window. 

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