Arsenal are keen on signing a new central midfielder in the January transfer window as they prepare for a crucial second half of the season, football.london understands.
Mikel Arteta wants to reinforce his squad as the Gunners look to challenge both domestically and in the Europa League knockout stages after the World Cup. Youri Tielemans remains a long-term target for Arsenal, though a move for the Belgian is unlikely until he becomes a free agent next summer, football.london understands.
Palmeiras talent Danilo Santos emerged as a transfer target over the summer but a move failed to materialise with the north London outfit pursuing a deal for Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa instead. Luiz has now signed a new long-term deal at Villa Park, which could see Arsenal reignite their interest in Danilo.
READ MORE: Edu and Youri Tielemans align on transfer plan as Arsenal patience leaves January questions
After multiple reports regarding the Gunners' interest in Palmeiras midfielder Danilo, Edu has been told how he can secure the Brazilian's signature in the January transfer window, as per Sport Witness. Brazilian journalist Jorge Nicola has detailed the players who may leave Palmeiras in the next couple of months, with the 21-year-old midfielder featuring as one of the main candidates.
The reporter outlines that Arsenal offered £21million for Danilo on Deadline Day in the summer transfer window, a bid which was turned down by Palmeiras at the time, but things may now have changed for the Brazilian outfit. “If this proposal is repeated, Palmeiras should end up negotiating the athlete,” says Jorge Nicola, hinting that a new bid from Arsenal may be accepted.
At the time of the Gunners’ offer in the summer, Palmeiras were still fighting for the Copa Libertadores and Brazilian League titles, so the club didn't want to lose a key player mid-season. Another issue which Nicola highlighted is that Danilo didn’t show the best form for his club in the past few months, suggesting that Palmeiras may be open to accepting that January may be the best time for his departure if a similar bid came in.
Should Edu look to enter talks over a deal for Danilo once again, it looks more likely that a bid in the region of £20million will be accepted this time as opposed to the failed attempt in the summer.
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