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.
Following Aurelien Tchouameni’s proposed move to Real Madrid which The Athletic have claimed is worth more than €100million (£84million) , French news outlet l’Equipe have reported that AS Monaco are targeting Danilo from Palmeiras as a replacement for Tchouameni. This is despite Arsenal’s reported interest earlier in the season.
The Gunners may need to sign two midfielders in the summer 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 January. 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 summer transfer window, and Danilo, who provides similar qualities on the pitch to Matteo Guendouzi, would be a good signing if he is joined by another midfielder ahead of next season.
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.
Arsenal will need to sign a midfielder in the summer transfer window. Arteta currently has a lack of depth and quality in the middle of the park, which was highlighted at the end of last season when the Gunners missed out on Champions League football due to the lack of presence in midfield.
Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey and Mohammed Elneny would be the only experienced midfielders in the team for next season. Albert Sambi Lokonga and Charlie Patino have the potential but are still yet to register a full Premier League season under their belt with regular game-time.
But, if Edu was to reignite a transfer for Danilo, a deal would seemingly be difficult due to Monaco’s intentions to sign the Brazilian in order to replace Tchouameni. However, Edu should still look to explore a potential deal especially if Arteta wants to sign two midfielders this summer.
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