Arsenal ‘hoping’ January target Danilo could make a similar impact as Martinelli

Arsenal are reportedly expecting that Palmeiras midfielder Danilo would be able to make his mark at the Emirates Stadium – if he joins the club in January – as Gabriel Martinelli has done since his arrival, as per the transfer expert Pete O’Rourke.

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The Gunners were in pursuit of a new midfielder throughout the summer transfer window, however, they failed to add more options to their engine room before the deadline.

Youri Tielemans was widely touted as their top target to strengthen the middle of the park, however, they didn’t submit any formal offer to sign the Belgian this summer.

Mikel Arteta’s side made a last-ditch attempt – on the deadline day – to purchase Aston Villa star, Douglas Luiz. But, despite receiving three official proposals from Arsenal the Villans didn’t allow the departure of their star man.

Danilo was one of the names that emerged as a potential target for Arsenal and they reportedly made a £20m bid to sign the South American. But, Palmeiras turned down that offer and made it clear that they will only sell the youngster if anyone can pay the 21-year-old’s release clause of £86m.

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Earlier the Independent stated that the Gunners are still in contact with the Brazilian side to broker a deal for him in January.

Danilo to Arsenal

Speaking on Gunners247, Pete O’Rourke has claimed that Arsenal will be ‘hoping’ Danilo can make a similar impact – if he joins the club – as his fellow countryman Martinelli has done since he arrived at the Emirates Stadium.

The journalist further states that the north London club have scouted the Brazilian ‘intensively’ and Arteta’s side believe the youngster is a very good player, given he has showcased his talent at the Allianz Parque.

When asked about whether the 21-year-old can make a similar impact as Martinelli O’Rourke said:

“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.”

Danilo could be a very good addition to Arteta’s squad if the club manage to sign him up in January. The South American has already made over 100 senior appearances for Palmeiras, therefore, the youngster has plenty of first-team experience.

So, the midfielder can slot straight into the starting line-up for the Spanish boss’ side during the absence of the first choice option, Thomas Partey, if he signs for Arsenal. Mohamed Elneny and Albert Sambi Lokonga are the two backups to the Ghanaian and adding another option to the engine room will be a shrewd decision by the club’s hierarchy, given the Egyptian is currently unavailable with a long-term hamstring injury.

Partey – who is also sidelined due to a thigh problem – has been suffering from fitness issues in recent years, therefore, signing a new midfielder in January will be a very good decision by Arteta’s side.

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