Arsenal remain the favourites to sign Danilo from Palmeiras in the January transfer window, and they’re expected to make a bid after the World Cup.
Felipe Silva reports for Brazilian outlet iG Esporte that Monaco, Ajax, and Arsenal have all shown an interest in midfielder Danilo of Palmeiras, but the Gunners are currently the favourites for his signature.
Arsenal are yet to make a formal bid for the player, but that’s expected to change after the conclusion of the World Cup.
Last month, Fabrizio Romano reported that Danilo has been on Arsenal’s shortlist since July, they appreciate him as a player and they have a good relationship with his representatives.
However, at that point, Romano claimed there were no changes in the negotiation either on Palmeiras’ side, or on the player’s side, and we’ll have to wait a bit longer to find out Arsenal’s next move.
Danilo recently admitted that he’s made friends with a couple of Arsenal players, adding that he’s ready to make a move abroad.
“[My Brazil call-up] was very good,” Danilo said. “I made friends and learned a lot. I got closer to Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and Dani Alves.
“I see myself mature enough to be able to play in any competition in the world, I’m ready. 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.”
Brazilian journalist Jorge Nicola reported recently that Palmeiras should negotiate with Arsenal if the Gunners repeat the same offer they made in the summer.
Arsenal 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.
Palmeiras wanted to keep Danilo around for their Copa Libertadores campaign, but with that campaign now over and a dip in his form, the club are now more open to letting Danilo go.