Arsenal pursue Danilo: Is the Palmeiras man the real deal?

The perfect housewarming gift for our new Sporting Director.

While global attention is currently drawn to football festivities in Qatar, the Arsenal focus is firmly set on acquiring crucial January reinforcements as we intensify our efforts to sustain an improbable title challenge. Chief among all prospective Emirates’ arrivals this winter is highly rated Palmeiras enforcer Danilo, but is the young Brazilian ready to make the step up to Premier League level?

Considered the South American answer to N’Golo Kanté, Danilo is likewise deployed at the base of midfield and expertly nullifies opposition attacks through his physicality and sharp sense of anticipation.

However, impressive ball-carrying ability and a keen eye for a pass demonstrate how there are many more strengths to his game, and his influence across the pitch suggests he would be a good fit for Mikel Arteta’s brand of total football.

Would January transfer target Danilo be a good addition to the Arsenal midfield? 

Such an eclectic mix of attacking and defensive talents have piqued the interest of several sides and made Danilo indispensable to the Palmeiras cause. His tireless contributions earned him 56 appearances last season as he helped the Brazilian giants romp to a record-breaking 11th Campeonato Brasileiro Série A title earlier this month.

Although regular minutes and a contract extension in March would normally discourage suitors from testing the champions’ resolve, the player recently declared he was “mature enough” and “ready” to perform in any competition in the world. Perhaps his club will accept an offer now that the domestic campaign has concluded.

Any north London transfer represents a gamble for both Danilo and Arsenal, with the direct path between South America and the top six being one that is rarely trodden. Meanwhile, factors including the huge contrast in tactical levels and cultural differences often dissuade European teams from exploring this market.

But the Gunners need look no further than their own frontline to ascertain that overcoming these challenges is far from impossible, and months of extensive scouting – as well as persistent rumours of our interest – indicate that we trust he can make a similar impact.

To bounce back from academy rejection at 15 and secure a move to Palmeiras three years later suggests he has what it takes to adapt to English football, while a rare profile means the 21-year-old could be both immediate backup and a long-term successor to Thomas Partey in the engine room.

A versatile star with tremendous mental resilience and a taste for silverware, Danilo certainly appears to be the real deal.