Arsenal need to strengthen the midfield in the summer transfer window to enhance Mikel Arteta’s options in the middle of the park. A potential gem found by Edu could have been the solution, but a deal is under threat.
According to The Telegraph, Nottingham Forest have launched an £18 million move for Palmeiras midfielder Danilo. This comes after reported interest from Arsenal.
The Gunners may need to sign multiple midfielders in upcoming transfer windows to help improve the depth in quality in the middle of the park. Danilo would have been a good backup option for Edu.
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According to Brazilian outlet R7, the Gunners had reportedly made a proposal for Palmeiras midfielder Danilo at £16.7 million-plus £4.1 million in bonuses so he could join the club in the last January window. However, this deal failed to materialise which could explain why Edu has come back in for another enquiry before the summer transfer window opens in a few months.
Another Brazilian outlet Bolavip had claimed that the Gunners had made another enquiry for Danilo after the winter window had closed. The Gunners will be in desperate need of a midfielder in the January transfer window, and Danilo, would be a good signing if he is joined by another midfielder ahead of next season, as it would be unfair to put pressure on a player who is yet to play in Europe.
It is rare for the biggest clubs in England to sign directly from a young players’ native league. As usual, the player has to succeed at a top European club before being snapped up by the best Premier League clubs for a hefty fee.
However, as Arsenal have proved with signings in the past, the club can save millions by acquiring these players before they have already made the big step up to a European club. This was proven with the signing of Gabriel Martinelli, who was signed for only £6 million from Brazilian fourth division side, Ituano.
During the summer transfer window, Arsenal's hunt to sign a central midfielder was well-documented. One of the names high on Edu's list of targets was Leicester City star Youri Tielemans.
football.london reported during the window that the Belgian was keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium and that he would be willing to see out the last year of his Leicester contract before sealing a move. Though if a rival made an offer this summer, Arsenal would make a move, but with the Gunners yet to advance in a deal, Danilo could have been an option to sign in January.
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