Arsenal Transfers: Competition emerges for Gunners’ midfield target

Arsenal will have to beat competition from overseas if they’re to secure the signing of Palmeiras midfielder Danilo in January.

The Gunners could look to bolster their squad in the winter in a bid to build on the excellent start they’ve made to the 2022/23 season. Mikel Arteta’s side entered the World Cup break five points clear at the top of the Premier League table and have progressed into the Europa League round of 16.

A particular area of transfer interest in the summer arrived in central midfield as a late move was made for Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz. The Villans rebuffed Arsenal’s approach, however, and Luiz has since signed a contract extension at Villa Park. Leicester’s Youri Tielemans was also targeted, but the club appear happy to wait until the summer to potentially sign the Belgian on a free transfer.

Competition emerges for Gunners’ midfield target

The Premier League table-toppers are said to be “serious” about signing Palmeiras midfielder Danilo in 2023, but Ajax and AS Monaco are also keen on acquiring the young Brazilian star.

ESPN’s James Olley writes that Arsenal enquired about the 21-year-old in the summer, but Palmeiras had no interest in selling the midfielder midway through their domestic campaign. The Brazilian club have since softened their stance, however, and would reportedly allow Danilo to depart for a fee in the region of €24m.

While Arsenal are said to be “in contact” with Palmeiras over the midfielder’s transfer, Ajax are ready to table a formal offer in January and may well be moving ahead of the Gunners in the race. Monaco, meanwhile, have expressed a strong interest and are also in talks with the Brazilian club.

ESPN add that the Gunners will look to add another midfielder and winger to their ranks in January. Arteta has coped superbly with a rather thin squad thus far, but there’s no doubt that he requires reinforcements if Arsenal are to sustain their title bid in 2023.