Arsenal could make a move for Palmeiras starlet Danilo in January in a bid to bolster Mikel Arteta’s squad for an unexpected Premier League title challenge.
The Gunners have got off to a superb start in 2022/23 and sit two points clear of Manchester City on top of the table after 12 rounds.
With the World Cup break fast approaching, attention is turning to ways of improving the squad in the mid-season transfer window.
Danilo is one option being looked at, writes The Express, after a possible move for Douglas Luiz was shelved once the Aston Villa player signed a new contract.
Central midfield is an area of the squad that Arteta would like to reinforce, and Arsenal scouts have been tracking Danilo’s progress for a long time.
With the Brazilian season soon coming to an end, Palmeiras could cash in on the highly-rated defensive midfielder ahead of the 2023 campaign.
Danilo has made 31 league appearances for the Sao Paulo club this season, helping them win the title with time to spare; Palmeiras are 13 points clear on top with three games to go.
Arsenal remain very interested and could make a January bid, although it might have to wait until next summer, when more funds will be available.
Danilo, who is valued at £22.5 million by Transfermarkt, has scored seven goals in 55 games this season in all competitions.
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Meanwhile, one man who could be heading for the Emirates Stadium exit door is Gabriel Martinelli: there's been talk of Chelsea making a shock swoop for the winger.
In other news, Aaron Ramsdale says that the Gunners have been motivated to succeed this season by the disappointment of missing out on Champions League qualification last term.
