JANUARY DEAL: Arsenal leading race to sign 21-year-old Brazilian midfielder

Arsenal are confident of signing Palmeiras midfielder Danilo during the winter transfer window. The circumstances around Brazil international have changed, with the South American club reportedly willing to enter talks after crashing out of Copa Libertadores.

Brazilian players, teams and the general culture around the game in the country lean more on the emotional side. For their stars, representing their native teams or the national side at the biggest tournaments is enormous, and they do not devalue that at any cost.

The Brazilian club, who have won the last two editions of the Copa Libertadores, consider the competition and the subsequent place in the Club World Cup their ‘holy grail’. That could have been why they refused to part ways with influential midfielder Danilo in the past.

Arsenal have kept tabs on the 21-year-old midfielder for at least two windows now. Arsenal reportedly made an offer before the summer transfer deadline, only for Palmeiras to turn down their proposal. The Gunners could be back in the hunt in winter.

This time, they are confident about opening negotiations. The South American midfielder is highly-rated by those in charge of player recruitment at Arsenal. The Spanish manager needs a new defensive midfielder in his ranks, as the club relies heavily on Partey.

Ghana international’s injury record also adds to the pressure, as the team underperforms in his absence. Danilo would be the right cover for Partey, and Mikel Arteta could develop him into the Ghanaian’s heir in the future.