Arsenal: ‘Exciting’ £86m target could be another Martinelli at the Emirates

Arsenal target Danilo could be an “exciting signing” for the club and another Gabriel Martinelli, believes journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Palmeiras midfielder was linked with a move to the Emirates during the summer transfer window.

What is the latest news involving Danilo?

According to the Evening Standard, Arsenal have a long-term interest in Danilo.

However, the newspaper’s report states that Palmeiras were reluctant to sell him to Arsenal at the end of the window, leaving the north London club needing to trigger his £86m release clause in order to sign him.

That, understandably, did not happen, so Mikel Arteta will now have to make do with what he currently has in midfield until January.

Reports claim that Arsenal also launched multiple bids for Danilo’s compatriot Douglas Luiz on deadline day but, with it being the 11th hour, Aston Villa refused to sanction a sale.

What has O’Rourke said about Danilo to Arsenal?

O’Rourke thinks Danilo is the kind of signing who could excite supporters at the Emirates and feels he could be another Martinelli.

When asked if the Gunners recruiting the 21-year-old could be similar to when they brought in his countryman back in 2019, the journalist said to GIVEMESPORT: “Yeah, I think that’s what Arsenal will be hoping for. They’ve obviously scouted Danilo intensively; they see a real player in him and he has shone in the Brazilian league as well.

“So Arsenal will be hoping that if they can get a deal done for him, he can come and have the same impact as a number of other Brazilian players have had at Arsenal over the years. And if he’s half as good as Martinelli, I think this will be a real exciting signing for Arsenal fans.”

Should Arsenal sign Danilo?

If they can get him for a fee lower than his release clause, which they should be able to do as long as they do not leave things too late again and actually give Palmeiras time to find a replacement, then why not?

Arsenal have had success shopping in the Brazilian market before, with Martinelli arriving from Ituano.

The 21-year-old has made a positive impact at the Emirates and has started this season strongly after scoring three goals in his first six league games.

Arteta clearly wants a new midfielder and the English markets seems quite inflated right now, with their London rivals Chelsea recently being forced to pay over £130m combined for defenders Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella.

When you consider that, you would not blame Arsenal for looking at less established names with potential in other leagues like Danilo.