Arsenal and Manchester United may now have a better opportunity to land Danilo Santos than they did a few weeks ago.
Botafogo’s gamble ahead of the World Cup was quite simple. The plan was to protect the midfielder and let him shine under Carlo Ancelotti. Then the club could use that exposure to justify a fee of around €40m (£34m).
According to Brazilian newspaper O Dia, that plan did not quite come off.
World Cup leaves market largely unchanged
The midfielder simply never got enough chances during the tournament. He played just 44 minutes across Brazil’s World Cup campaign. He featured against Morocco, Haiti, Japan and Norway. However, he remained on the bench against Scotland.
Even after Lucas Paquetá got injured and left Carlo Ancelotti short of attacking midfield options, Danilo still did not move up the pecking order. Against Norway, the Italy coach opted to use Gabriel Martinelli in a more central midfield role instead. As a result, this left the Botafogo man on the sidelines.
That means Botafogo return from the tournament without the significant jump in value they had hoped for.
Arsenal and United could benefit
For clubs like Arsenal and Manchester United, that may change the picture. Both have already positioned themselves around the player in recent months. Arsenal have made contact with Danilo’s representatives. Meanwhile, United have opened discussions with Botafogo over the midfielder.
Now, after a quieter-than-expected World Cup, the competition for his signature may not be quite as fierce as it looked before the tournament.
Also, Botafogo’s financial situation has not changed, meaning the club still need a major sale this summer.
With the anticipated World Cup boost failing to materialise, reports in Brazil suggest it may become difficult to hold firm at the €40m (£34m) valuation. That fee had been discussed before the tournament.
England or back to Palmeiras?
Danilo
One threat to Premier League clubs comes from Brazil rather than Europe.
Palmeiras’ interest is repeatedly being described by the local media as genuine and increasingly concrete. If Arsenal, Manchester United and the other English clubs ultimately decide not to advance, a return to his former club is emerging as the most realistic alternative.
Danilo has long made it clear that his priority is another chance in Europe – particularly in England – after his injury-hit spell at Nottingham Forest.
The question now is whether Arsenal or Manchester United still see him as the right opportunity, or whether a World Cup with too few minutes has allowed that first-tier Premier League opening to drift away.
🇩🇪 Felix Nmecha | Manchester United and Newcastle United ‘lead the charge’ for transfer ➡️ Money already being spent ➡️ €120m looks ambitious https://t.co/pnC67Fo8on #mufc #nufc
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) July 7, 2026