Arsenal back in the hunt for Danilo as Arteta looks to beef up midfield options

Seb Sternik
Man Utd-linked Danilo Oliviera celebrates

Arsenal have stepped up their efforts to sign Brazilian midfielder Danilo as they look to bolster their midfield options ahead of the second half of the season.

The Gunners were linked with the 21-year-old back in the summer, though a move to North London never materialised. Since then, the player has helped Palmeiras to the Brazilian Serie A title and was one of their standout performers.

Mikel Arteta was determined to strengthen in midfield during last summer’s transfer window. The club made three bids for Aston Villa man Douglas Luiz, though all three were rejected by the club.

Arsenal’s attention has now turned to Brazil, with Danilo touted as the perfect signing, considering his ability to operate as a defensive and box-to-box midfielder. According to a report by Bola VIP, the club will be looking to secure his signature once the winter window opens.

During his three years at Palmeiras, the player made 138 appearances and scored 12 times. What’s more, the club would be willing to let Danilo leave, now that their Copa Libertadores campaign has come to an end.

Should he complete the move to North London, Danilo would become the club’s fifth Brazilian player.

Gabriel Magalhaes, Marquinhos, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli are currently all in the squad, with the latter two names heading for the 2022 World Cup.

Arsenal have one more Premier League fixture before November’s tournament gets underway. The Gunners will travel away to Wolverhampton on Saturday as they look to end the year top of the standings.

The North London outfit haven’t won the league since the 2003/04 campaign. More worryingly, the club haven’t finished in the top four for the last six seasons.

However, Arteta’s men are currently enjoying a stellar campaign, having won 11 of their opening 13 league games.

With the club poised to challenge the big guns, the Gunners will be desperate to strengthen in January as they look to mount a championship bid.

The signing of Danilo would certainly raise the level of competition in the middle of the park.  Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka, for instance, would be battling the Brazilian for a starting shirt.

Arsenal were understood to have offered £22million for the midfielder during their failed bid last summer. According to reports, a fresh bid of £26million is likely to do the trick.

READ MORE: Arsenal urged to make £20m January signing as Arteta’s side are ‘completely different’ without two stars