Arsenal will need new signings this summer in order to really push Manchester City again next season and midfield could be one area of focus.
The Gunners just missed out on top spot in the Premier League, falling just two points shy of Manchester City in the race for the title.
It’s another second-place finish for Arsenal but Mikel Arteta’s men finished five points better off than last season.
Beating Pep Guardiola’s men to top spot if a difficult task and Arsenal must now look for signings to take them forward this summer.
Arteta will have a number of potential additions in midfield may be a priority with question marks over the likes of Thomas Partey and Emile Smith Rowe.
HITC understands that Arsenal are now ready to move on from Real Sociedad ace Martin Zubimendi having grown frustrated over the progress of a potential move.
The likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Amadou Onana and Joao Neves are also on the Arsenal radar and Nottingham Forest’s Danilo could be one to watch.
Arsenal target Danilo on his future
HITC understands that Arsenal are keen on Nottingham Forest’s Danilo having held a long-standing interest in the Brazilian.
Edu and co had Danilo on the Arsenal radar during his time with Palmeiras, before he ended up joining Forest for £16million in January 2023.
Brazilian talents are always on Edu’s mind and it is no surprise to see that he has kept tabs on Danilo’s time at Forest.
Danilo doesn’t appear to be pushing for a transfer though having spoken to The Athletic about his after at the City Ground.
Danilo noted that he still has five years left on his Forest contract and he really wants to help the club develop in the coming years.
The midfielder believes that Forest have the potential to become like Aston Villa and Brighton in terms of playing in European action.
Danilo wants to play a part in that, seemingly having no plans to leave Forest any time soon.
“I have another five years on my contract and I can help the club to develop more,” said Danilo. “It is already a big club; one with a proud history. Next season will be better. We will not be fighting to remain in the Premier League. We will be higher up the table. We can continue to grow.”
“Villa and Brighton represent good examples for us. We should make that our ambition – to be challenging to play in Europe,” he added.
Danilo record at Forest
Danilo started 20 Premier League games this past season and came off the bench nine times as Forest avoided relegation to the Championship.
The 23-year-old predominantly played in a deep midfield role but has also shown the ability to play as a box-to-box midfielder.
Danilo only registered two goals and two assists this past season though and will be looking to develop his attacking side moving forward.
Arsenal may see Danilo as a player who can offer competition in a holding role whilst being able to spring forward if needed, somewhat similar to Declan Rice.
A deal this summer seems a little trickier with Danilo not exactly pushing for a move, but he is a name for Arsenal fans to keep tabs on not just this summer, but also for the long term.
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