Palmeiras’ Danilo says he feels he’s ready to play abroad and he’s good friends with Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus, amid links to Arsenal.

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 02: Thiago Galhardo of Fortaleza and Danilo of Palmeiras fight for the ball during a match between Palmeiras and Fortaleza as part of Brasileirao Series A 2022 at Allianz Parque on November 02, 2022 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images)
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL: Thiago Galhardo of Fortaleza and Danilo of Palmeiras fight for the ball during a match between Palmeiras and Fortaleza as part of Brasileirao Series A 2022 at Allianz Parque on November 02, 2022. (Photo by Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images)

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Palmeiras midfielder Danilo since the summer, with reports of a rejected bid towards the end of the summer window and rumours of a return for the player in January.

Danilo already knows a couple of players in Arsenal’s squad, admitting he made friends with them during his international call-up earlier this year.

“It was very good,” Danilo said. “I made friends and learned a lot. I got closer to Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and Dani Alves.”

As for the possibility of a move abroad, potentially to the Premier League, the player thinks he’s ready to make that step.

“I see myself mature enough to be able to play in any competition in the world, I’m ready,” Danilo insisted. “Because Palmeiras helped me a lot, from the base, with [director] João Paulo [Sampaio]. And I kept my mentality strong with the arrival of Abel.

“But I prefer not to get involved with these transfer issues. I told my manager to only talk to me if it’s the right thing. Then we sit down and talk to Palmeiras and decide what’s best for everyone.”

Palmeiras' Danilo celebrates after defeating Atletico Mineiro at the end of their Copa Libertadores football tournament quarterfinals all-Brazilian first leg match at the Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, on August 3, 2022. (Photo by DOUGLAS MAGNO / AFP) (Photo by DOUGLAS MAGNO/AFP via Getty Images)
Palmeiras’ Danilo celebrates after defeating Atletico Mineiro at the end of their Copa Libertadores football tournament quarterfinals all-Brazilian first leg match at the Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, on August 3, 2022. (Photo by DOUGLAS MAGNO/AFP via Getty Images)

Brazilian journalist Jorge Nicola reported recently that Palmeiras should negotiate with Arsenal if the Gunners repeat the same offer they made in the summer.

Mikel Arteta’s transfer team reportedly offered €25m at the end of the summer window, which was turned down at the time. But that same amount could be enough to convince Palmeiras in January.

This fits with other reports, with ESPN Brasil even reporting that Palmeiras are open to negotiating if they receive an offer of €20m, let alone €25m.

Part of the reason for the change is that Palmeiras wanted to keep Danilo around for their Copa Libertadores campaign.

With that campaign now over, the club are more open to letting Danilo go.

But there’s also a suggestion in Nicola’s update that Danilo’s form has dipped, prompting Palmeiras’ willingness to cash in while they have the chance.

As well as Arsenal, ESPN have reported that Ajax and AS Monaco are in the mix for the signing. They added that Arsenal are now in contact with Palmeiras, though Monaco have expressed the most interest so far.