4 deadline day contingency midfield options for Arsenal

Option #3: Danilo (Palmeiras)

The Brazilian market is another avenue Arsenal can consider and, having availed of Edu’s South American contacts earlier in the window, the Gunners might revisit their interest in Palmeiras talent Danilo.

Unlike some of the popular choices for the midfield role, Danilo is a more conservative candidate who frequently opts for safe passes and recycles the ball. But he can use his plentiful energy reserves to make forward runs from deep and augment the offensive threat. He also has a fantastic positional sense and forms the cornerstone of the Palmeiras defensive system, with his N’Golo Kanté-like work rate and knack for interceptions making him a complete, technical defender.

His raw skillset is a possible deterrent for a Premier League switch and, just as Arteta instructed Gabriel Martinelli to incorporate “some gears into his play”, Danilo would gain similar benefit from a more controlled playing style as excessive commitment can sometimes cause him to get spun by an opponent and leave the defence exposed.

The Campeonato Brasileiro Série A is currently in progress and a new contract in February until 2026 makes it difficult to see a deal materialise this summer, but he has been on the radar for a while and could be one to watch.

Continued on the next slide…