Report: Arsenal tell club they’ll bid for £13m new N’Golo Kante this summer

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Premier League giants Arsenal have told Palmeiras that they intend to hold talks with £13 million midfielder Danilo ahead of the summer transfer window, Brazilian journalist Jorge Nicola says on his YouTube channel. 

With three defeats in a row – and four in their last five top-flight games – Arsenal are certainly doing their very best to avoid a long-awaited return to the Champions League.

Who knows, perhaps Mikel Arteta just wants something to fill his Thursday nights. Maybe the Arsenal players love nothing more than boarding midweek flights to Croatia, Bulgaria and Poland. 

Either way, a seat at Europe’s top table is starting to drift out of reach, with three very winnable games – against Southampton, Brighton and Crystal Palace – all ending with regret and recriminations. 

Will Arsenal sign a new N’Golo Kante?

A number of ill-timed injuries have certainly played their part, especially in midfield. Kieran Tierney’s fitness issues have forced Granit Xhaka to fill in at the back while Thomas Partey – inconsistent at the best of times – might not be seen again in 2021/22 due to a thigh problem.  

And, considering the lack of top-quality replacements in the centre of the park, it really is no surprise to learn that Arsenal are looking at one of the most talented young midfielders in South America.

A two-time Copa Libertadores winner who’s energy, skill and drive has led to comparisons with N’Golo Kante. 

According to UOL, Palmeiras expect to lose Danilo over the summer. The 20-year-old is available for just £13 million and, according to his agent, is also a target for a Watford side who signed another up-and-coming Brazilian in the shape of Richarlison a couple of seasons ago. 

“Recently, six European clubs got in touch to demonstrate their intention to start negotiations with (Palmeiras), with an eye on the possibility of submitting a proposal in the middle of the year,” explains Nicola.  

“Of those six teams, I managed to discover four: Arsenal, Monaco, Lille and Olympique de Marseille.” 

A £13m bargain?

There is at least one man at Palmeiras’ Allianz Parque stadium who would be thrilled to see Danilo pull on the red-and-white shirt of Arsenal. 

“He has to play in the Premier League,” says team-mate Dudu. “I always tell him: ‘You have to play for Manchester United, for Arsenal’.

“I want him to stay with us. But that’s what I see (that Danilo has a future in the Premier League).”