Arsenal reportedly sent scouts to watch Porto midfielder, Danilo Pereira, in action last week.

According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Arsenal scouts were in attendance during Porto’s 4-0 win over Vitor Guimaraes last Thursday in order to watch Pereira ahead of a potential January move.

The defensive midfielder netted Porto’s second goal – his fourth of the season – and played a full 90 minutes during the domestic cup clash.

The 26-year-old, who allegedly has a £53m release clause, has apparently been on the Gunners’ radar for a while. In fact, we were said to have scouted him in November as well when he scored in Porto’s 3-2 victory over Portimonense.

Pereira is currently in the form of his life. Last season, he was one of Porto’s key players, scoring four goals in 41 appearances and averaging 2.3 interceptions, 1.4 clearances and 1.8 tackles per Liga NOS game.

This term, he’s improved even further, already netting four goals and providing three assists in 22 appearances. The Portugal international now averages 2.4 interceptions per match, 1.5 clearances and 1.9 tackles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Y3-RiEpe00

With four-and-a-half years left on his current deal with Porto and the midfielder playing so well, it’s unlikely that the Portuguese side, where he’s been since 2015, will allow him to leave for a penny under his £53m release clause. They’re currently unbeaten in the league and Pereira has been a big part of that.

According to Correiro da Manha back in April, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United are all interested and the Red Devils were also said to be scouting Pereira in November.