Arsenal have formed quite the reputation over the past two years as one of the best young squads in all of Europe, and Mikel Arteta could soon make take things up a level if the Gunners manage to sign Danilo.
According to the Sun, the north London side are chasing the £26m-rated Brazilian wonderkid ahead of the January transfer window, with Danilo viewed by many as a potential long-term replacement for the likes of Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey, the only two regular starts for Arsenal over the age of 25.
Committing to youth has led to quite the success from Arteta, with the Basque manager’s current title charge being fueled by the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, with William Saliba keeping things assured at the back with Aaron Ramsdale between the sticks.
Indeed, Arsenal could become one of the best teams in Europe if they can keep their young core together, and here’s what the Gunners’ could look like in 2027 should they manage to retain their best young players as well as sign Danilo from Brazil this January.
Sousa only new addition in familiar backline
As mentioned, Arsenal’s backline is one of the youngest already in the Premier League, with Saliba looking mature beyond his years and Ramsdale one of the best in the division despite his tender age. And as a result, our backline in 2027 isn’t too crazy looking except for one major new addition.
Left-back sees Lino Sousa replace the likes of Kieran Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko in the starting XI, with the 17-year-old a key member of Arsenal’s U-21 side and a talent who has already made it into Arteta’s matchday squad on more than a few occasions.
A first-team debut is in the pipeline for the defender this season, and with Tierney and Zinchenko seemingly spending more time on the injury table than on the pitch, Sousa is a sensible pick to one day start at left-back for the Gunners.
Danilo signs as wonderkid Nwaneri partners Odegaard
Midfield and attack are arguably the two positions where Arsenal can go in many different directions in the coming years, such is their depth in the areas as well as the incredible number of talents coming through at Hale End. However, in our XI, Danilo signs from Palmeiras to take over Partey in the coming years.
A versatile midfielder, Danilo could also replace Xhaka should Arteta stumble across a defensive midfielder who can replicate the qualities the Ghanian currently possesses. Though one player the Brazilian won’t be usurping is Martin Odegaard, who will still only be 28 come 2027.
To round off the midfield, Ethan Nwaneri gets the nod following the 15-year-old’s record-breaking appearance for the Gunners earlier this season in the Premier League, with the likes of Charlie Patino and Albert Sambi Lokonga having to settle for the bench in 2027.
Smith Rowe starts out wide with Martinelli leading the line
Martinelli and Saka have been two of the main driving forces for Arsenal this season as the dynamic duo continue to deliver the goods for the Gunners in what is turning out to be a historic campaign. And in our XI, it is the Brazilian who changes position to allow Emile Smith Rowe to come back into the XI.
Whilst Arsenal have Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah on their books with Folarin Balogun flourishing out on loan in France, Martinelli’s potential makes the 21-year-old simply too good to stay out on the wing. With centre-forward a position many Arsenal fans think the South American talent could easily play in.
As a result, Smith Rowe finds himself back in the XI. And whilst a case could be made for other players in Arsenal’s academy, the England international could yet again defy the odds and return to his best form in the coming years following his breakout year in the 2021/22 season.
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