Cash-strapped club must reportedly raise £55m, Arsenal, Tottenham targets could be sold

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Porto are under pressure to raise £55 million before the October transfer deadline and this could be music to the ears of Arsenal, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Newcastle United, according to A Bola.

Sergio Conceicao’s side may have stormed to the Primeira Liga title thanks to a stunning run of form in the final few weeks of last season – but it would be a massive surprise if fireworks were lighting the night sky above the Estadio do Dragao next year too.

While Benfica have spent more than £70 million in an attempt to reclaim their throne, signing German, Brazilian and Uruguayan internationals alongside Jan Vertonghen, cash-strapped Porto are in the grip of a financial nightmare.

In contrast, the reigning champions have spent just £9 million this summer.

And, despite selling teen sensation Fabio Silva to Wolves for £35 million, they have little choice but to raise a further £55 million before the 5 October transfer deadline.

The sharks are smelling blood – and a bargain.

Arsenal have identified Portugal international ball-winner Danilo Pereira as a cut-price alternative to top target Thomas Partey, with ESPN reporting in July the title-winning captain is available for just £18 million – half the price of the Atletico Madrid maestro.

“(Arteta) is a really good coach and Arsenal play very good football,” Danilo told Stats Perform News recently, via the Standard.

“The style… I think I can fit in (at Arsenal). Of course, I like to be here in Porto, to be here in my country, but I want to be in a better league like the Premier League.”

Danilo is not the only Porto star linked with a move to England.

After snapping up Silva and Vitor Ferreira, Wolves could return to Nuno Espirito Santo’s old employers for Mexico international Jesus ‘Tecatito’ Corona.

A Bola reported Wolves made a £20 million bid this month, although it remains to be seen whether their interest still stands after landing Nelson Semedo.

Tottenham want exciting Colombian forward Luiz Dias, according to DesPorto, while A Bola reports striker Marega is an option for Newcastle, Crystal Palace and West Ham.