Arsenal could rival fellow Premier League outfit Fulham this summer for former Nottingham Forest midfielder Danilo’s signature with the Brazilian expected to leave his current club Botafogo.
Botafogo are currently experiencing a financial and political crisis and subsequently need to raise funds by selling star assets.
Danilo is expected to be one of the Brazilian club’s highest-valued players after registering 18 goal contributions in 39 appearances since his move from Forest last summer.
A return to Europe looks likely, and London is one of the destinations reportedly being mooted with it being reported that Arsenal have now joined Fulham in showing an interest in the Brazilian ahead of the summer transfer window.
Arsenal join the mix for Danilo
Nottingham Forest's Danilo
Nottingham Forest's Danilo
According to Ge Globo, Arsenal are one of four clubs to have contacted Danilo’s representatives regarding a potential move, while Fulham have already indicated that they would be willing to spend around 30million euros to sign the 'complete' Brazilian.
Alongside Arsenal, Monaco, Benfica and Galatasaray have also reportedly shown an interest in the 25-year-old 'phenomenon'.
Danilo is in contention to be named in Carlo Ancelotti’s final Brazil squad for the World Cup which starts next month. Ancelotti’s son, Davide, is the current assistant manager of the Brazil national team and was formerly the midfielder’s manager at Botafogo.
The Brazilian has been in fine form since returning to his home country from Forest, where he made 62 appearances following a move from Palmeiras in 2023.
Arsenal could follow potential title win with Danilo deal
Mikel Arteta
The Gunners are yet to seal any silverware this season but could end the campaign with two trophies after reaching the Champions League final for the first time in 20 years on Tuesday night.
A first-half Bukayo Saka goal secured a 2-1 aggregate victory for Mikel Arteta’s side over Atletico Madrid, and they will face reigning champions of Europe PSG in the final later this month after their 6-5 aggregate win against Bayern Munich.
Arsenal are also in control of the Premier League title race with a five-point advantage over Manchester City (who have a game in hand) with three games remaining.
After what could prove to be a historic campaign for the north London outfit, Arteta will undoubtedly look to continue strengthening his squad.
However, according to Sky Sports, Arsenal are also “planning significant sales” this summer with captain Martin Odegaard amongst the high-profile names being linked with a move away from the Emirates.
Having scored 10 goals in 22 matches across all competitions already this season, Danilo could prove to be a sensible replacement.