WILL DANILO PALMEIRA MIDFIELDER BECOME AN ARSENAL PLAYER?

Palmeiras midfielder Danilo has downplayed the prospect of a £26m move to Premier League leaders Arsenal, telling Band Sports he is not yet in talks ahead of a move to Europe.

The Brazilian giants have lost one of their Copa Libertadores winning heroes to the bright lights of English football in recent weeks. Gustavo Scarpa, the only stick-on-the-link player, will join Nottingham Forest on a free transfer in early 2023.

And highly rated defensive midfielder Danilo is expected to follow in Scarpa’s footsteps; Arsenal are still big fans of the player they failed to bid £20m for (Goal) in the summer.
According to The Sun, the London giants believe an increased £26m offer could convince Palmeiras to cash in. But Danilo, who has copied his game after N’Golo Kante and has a similar defensive scoring average to Thomas Partey  insists nothing is in sight or close to completion.
“There is still no talk of a trip abroad,” said the 21-year-old. “As I always say, I leave it to my agent (to decide). I’m still focused on Palmeiras.”
Danilo has won an impressive five trophies since breaking into the first team a few years ago. He also received the Bronze Ball Award which is given to the third best player at the Club World Cup. Palmeiras lost in the final to Chelsea in February.

“He has to play in the Premier League,” said Allianz Park team-mate Dudu. “I always told him: ‘You have to play for Manchester United, for Arsenal.’

Danilo, whose agent confirmed Watford’s interest in the previous transfer window, will provide Arteta with much-needed protection in midfield. Arsenal’s reserve options don’t live up to Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey’s high standards.

Albert Sambi Lokonga looked upset again in Wednesday’s 3-1 home defeat by Brighton and Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup. The Belgian benchmark is also not shy about expressing his frustration at the lack of playing time.

Arsenal are also eyeing a new winger in January. Mikhail Mudryk of Shakhtar Donetsk was targeted, along with Jesper Lindstrom of Orlando City and Facundo Torres.