Arsenal: Edu ‘connections’ could lure £87m star to the Emirates

Arsenal technical director Edu will play a ‘huge role’ in the Emirates Stadium outfit’s pursuit of Palmeiras star Danilo thanks to his ‘connections in Brazil’, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Edu has been instrumental in the Gunners’ recruitment since returning to north London to work behind-the-scenes in July 2019.

What’s the latest news involving Danilo?

Transfer insider Dean Jones has told the GUNNERS247 that Arsenal are confident of being able to tie up a deal for Danilo next year and they will maintain their interest after he was a top target during the summer window.

It is understood that the Gunners looked to test Palmeiras’ resolve by submitting a £20million bid for the defensive midfielder last month, but he stayed with his current employers.

Arsenal’s proposal fell a long way short of the release clause written into Danilo’s contract with his current employers, which stands at just shy of £87million.

Head coach Mikel Arteta considered bringing forward his interest as a result of injuries sustained by Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Partey during the early stages of the season.

AC Milan also targeted Danilo while the summer window was open for business and French side Marseille have been monitoring his situation as well.

What has Pete O’Rourke said about Danilo?

O’Rourke believes Edu could be influential when it comes to Arsenal trying to lure Danilo away from his homeland.

The journalist understands the 21-year-old has been on the north Londoners’ radar for a prolonged period.

O’Rourke told GUNNERS247: “It will play a huge role, I think, Edu’s connections in Brazil.

“Danilo has been a top target for Arsenal, I think, in the last window as well.”

Would a move for Danilo be risky from Arsenal’s point of view?
Meeting Danilo’s release clause would result in him surpassing Nicolas Pepe as the most expensive signing in Arsenal’s entire history.

Although he does not have any Premier League experience, the Gunners target has already made 129 appearances for Palmeiras and racked up 20 goal contributions from his defensive midfield role.

While Danilo is still searching for his first international cap, he earned a call-up to Brazil’s squad earlier this year and will be desperate to be involved in the 2022 World Cup this winter.

Having lifted four trophies while on Palmeiras’ books, there is no doubt that he would bring a winning mentality to the Emirates Stadium and, despite his lack of experience outside of South America, Danilo would be an exciting addition.