Arsenal look set to strengthen their midfield this January, with Palmeiras already replacing Brazilian talent Danilo
(Image credit: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal are so close to signing one Palmeiras star that the Brazilian outfit have already lined up his replacement.
Coach Abel Ferreira is said to be so resigned to losing 21-year-old midfielder Danilo that he's already lined up Wallace of Udinese to return to Brazil. Arsenal have been linked with Danilo since January of this year but are yet to make a move.
With the Gunners launching a surprise title bid, however, the lack of depth in the squad has been highlighted from lacklustre Europa League performances – and now, new additions are just around the corner.
Danilo has been on the Arsenal radar since the start of the year (Image credit: Getty)
BOLA VIP in Brazil reports that Arsenal are so confident in bringing Danilo to the Emirates Stadium in January that Palmeiras have launched their move for Wallace, who wants a move back to Brazil next year.
Palmeiras are said to be resigned to losing Danilo, who has been a huge hit since coming through the ranks at the club.
This would be just one of several transfers that Arsenal have orchestrated from Brazilian links. Director Edu has been said to be integral to deals such as the Gabriel Jesus transfer, in which he told the forward that he had "lost his spark" at Manchester City and the move for Gabriel Martinelli back in 2019, which brought the youngster to the Gunners from the Brazilian lower leagues.
As well as these two stars, the north Londoners signed starlet Marquinhos over the summer from Brazil. Gabriel, the centre-back who netted against Chelsea, makes up the contingent.
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Arsenal have a number of Brazilian players installed at the club nowadays – and could yet add another (Image credit: Ryan Pierse / Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta has recently said that a surge to the top of the table has made the club "rethink" January plans, making a move for another midfielder all the more likely.
Danilo is valued at around €25 million by Transfermarkt.
Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.
