According to the press in Portugal, Arsenal could be set to move for Porto’s defensive midfielder, Danilo, with the Portuguese likely to have to sell to balance their books.

The player has been monitored by the Gunners and their scout in the country, Luis Boa Morte, and it is claimed that the player possesses all the attributes Arsene Wenger is looking for in a player for that position – namely, one who can defend but is not a defensive midfielder.

Just 24, Danilo arrived at Porto for just €3m last summer when they signed him from Maritimo. He is now said to have a release clause of €40m (£30m approx.).

A runner-up in the U20 FIFA World Cup in 2011, Danilo stands 6’2” tall and previously spent time with Benfica as a youngster. When they declined to give him a professional contract in 2010 when he was 19, he moved to Parma where he spent three years with the club before moving out on loan.

After two years with Maritimo the right-footer signed a four-year deal with the Portuguese giants. He has made 44 appearances for them this season, scoring four and assisting two. He has averaged 78.5 minutes in each of those 44 games.

As with all rumours it is hard to know what is truth and what is speculation.

Arsenal will be looking to recruit in midfield and Wenger does love a club in financial crisis.

Will he be willing to dip into his pockets to find the money for Danilo’s release clause?

That is the €40m question.