Brazilian giants Palmeiras refused to sell Danilo to Premier League leaders Arsenal on the final day of the summer transfer window despite receiving a £22 million bid from Mikel Arteta’s side, reporter Jorge Nicola explains via his YouTube channel.
It’s perhaps too simplistic to suggest that, if Arteta had Thomas Partey at his disposal, Arsenal would have got a point or three to show for their efforts at Old Trafford a month or so ago.
The fact remains however that, in the absence of his most effective ball-winning midfielder, the Gunners were torn apart by Erik ten Hag’s rapid-fire counter-attacks; Albert Sambi Lokonga struggling to keep pace with proceedings.
When Partey is fit and firing, Arsenal are a much more solid, reliable unit. The problem is, availability remains a constant problem for the Ghanaian; with niggles and knocks keeping him out of action far more often than Arteta would have liked.
And former England international Jermaine Jenas is not alone in suggesting that, if Arsenal are to maintain their outstanding start to the season and keep pace with Erling Haaland’s Manchester City, bringing in cover for the injury-prone Partey is a must.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal eye Danilo of Palmeiras
“You can’t rely on him,’ Jenas tells Vibe with Five. “If I was (Arsenal director) Edu, that would be the first position I’m going for in January, or the summer. because you can’t rely on him.”
So, enter Danilo. Quite literally, perhaps.
Per the Evening Standard, Arsenal plan to renew their interest in Palmeiras’ 21-year-old enforcer in the winter after failing with a £22 million bid on deadline day.
“Arsenal, who have Edu Gaspar as their director of football, tried to sign Danilo,” explains Nicola.
“This information was given to me by a person very close to Danilo. According to my source, Palmeiras received an offer of 25 million euros on the last day of the transfer window.
“But Leila Pereira, Palmeiras’ president, has already made it clear that she would not sell Danilo under any circumstances. Not in 2022. Maybe in 2023. That is why (there are so many clubs queuing up) with the possibility of buying him in January.”
Danilo models his game on N’Golo Kante. That should come as no surprise to anyone who has seen the tough-tackling youngster in action.
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