£21m star suggests he’s ‘ready’ to join Arsenal, has 6 trophies in 3 years

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Palmeiras midfielder Danilo insists that he is not overawed by the prospect of playing Premier League football at Arsenal, telling UOL Esporte that he’s ‘ready’ to make the leap in the New Year. 

It’s not often you could really describe a 21-year-old with just three seasons of first-team football under his belt as a serial trophy winner.

But Danilo, after helping Palmeiras win Brazil’s top flight this year, now has six winners’ medals in his personal collection, including a pair of Copa Libertadores titles in 2020 and 2021. Realistically speaking, what more is there for Danilo to achieve at the Allianz Parque, having won almost everything there is to win in Palmeiras’ jade green shirt? 

Arsenal could sign Brazilian midfielder Danilo for £21 million

“I give myself a 10/10. Palmeiras’ year was a 10, and so was mine. It was a wonderful year,” says the highly-rated defensive midfielder, who models his game on that of Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante. 

“I know that all players have ups and downs, as I had. But during both ups and downs, I didn’t change my way of playing and training. And I managed to end the year with five very good games.” 

According to Brazilian reporter Jorge Nicola, Arsenal failed with a £21 million bid for their long-standing transfer target late in the summer window. A similar offer in the New Year, however, will likely see Palmeiras cash in.  

“I see myself as mature enough to play in any competition in the world. I’m ready,” Danilo adds.

“But I prefer not to get involved with these transfer issues. I told my agent to only talk to me if it’s the right thing. Then, we sit down and talk to Palmeiras and decide what’s best for everyone.”

Arsenal have made excellent use of the Brazilian market since hiring former Samba international Edu Gaspar as their technical director, bringing in Marquinhos, Gabriel Martinelli and Pablo Mari from the South American nation. Danilo, Dean Jones reports, has also been on Edu’s radar for over a year now. 

His arrival at the Emirates would, however, raise questions about Albert Sambi Lokonga’s Arsenal future. The Belgian has already expressed his frustration over a lack of game time.