Arsenal
Premier League • England
Arsenal transfer plan under threat as Leeds, Forest make approach for dazzling Brazilian midfielder
Leeds United and Nottingham Forest are both reported to have lodged bids to sign a long-term Arsenal target in a deal that could set either side back a fee of around £18m.
The Gunners are looking to make two signings this January as Mikel Arteta looks to boost his title hopefuls. His No 1 target is Mykhaylo Mudryk and a costly deal for the Ukrainian winger is reportedly closing in. But Arteta also has his eyes very firmly fixed on adding to his midfield options.
His original target – Leicester star Youri Tielemans – appears to have priced himself out of a move. Indeed, technical director Edu was reportedly left flabbergasted by the player’s hefty wage demands.
As an alternative, Arsenal are also reportedly in talks with Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. However, a winter deal looks tricky and any such move may have to wait until the summer.
In the meantime, Arsenal are also reportedly keen on Palmeiras midfielder Danilo.
He has been on their radar for several months now, though their interest seemingly is seemingly cooling as Arsenal pursued other options. However, as Fabrizio Romano points out, the Gunners still remain very much keen on the 21-year-old.
The midfielder, despite his tender years, has already clocked up over 100 appearances for his side. Under contract until 2026, it is thought an offer of around £25m will tempt the Brazilian side to sell.
However, the Gunners now look in serious danger of missing out on his signature. That’s after Calciomercato reported both Leeds and Nottingham Forest had both launched enquiries for his services.
Thye are not alone in their pursuit either, with French side Monaco also reportedly keen.
Arsenal in danger of missing out on Danilo
It all points to Arsenal potentially missing out on a deal for Danilo.
Leeds are keen to sign a new midfielder with Mateusz Klich departing for DC United. That move is yet to be officially go through, though the player has already said his goodbyes to the Whites.
Their first target is thought to be Angers midfielder Azzedine Ounahi, who they have also reportedly tabled a bid for. However, Napoli are also in the mix for his signature and the Morocco star reportedly favours a move to the Serie A leaders.
As such, it’s no surprise to see Leeds looking elsewhere.
Forest, meanwhile, are in the hunt for more reinforcements despite a crazy summer spend that saw them bring in 22 new players. Their manager Steve Cooper is reportedly keen on Danilo, believing he can add quality to their midfield.
The article also tips Brighton and Newcastle as potential suitors.
However, the article suggests any of his suitors could find themselves landing a bargain this month. That’s amid claims that Palmeiras are willing to drop their original price of £25m down to a more modest £18m plus add-ons.
And at that sort of price, it’s easy to see why interest in the player is growing. As to which club will win the race for Danilo remains to be seen.
But for now, it’s a saga to keep an eye on with Danilo seemingly very much on the wanted list of several Premier League sides.