Danilo
Newcastle United are the club offering the ‘most consistent approaches’ to Botafogo’s Danilo Santos as they seek potential replacements for Bruno Guimaraes.
O Globo report on the situation today and say Newcastle are in talks with the Brazilian midfielder as they prepare for Guimaraes potential departure.
Newcastle ‘expressed an interest’
The newspaper explains that Newcastle have ‘expressed an interest’ in Botafogo’s Danilo as a replacement for Guimaraes, who could be set to join Arsenal.
The Magpies see the former Nottingham Forest midfielder as their ‘top choice’ but are yet to make a formal bid. Botafogo have also received enquiries from Russian side Zenit, who have made an offer.
They have also turned down an offer from Palmeiras as they are prioritising a move abroad for the 25-year-old.
Newcastle have made enquiries about signing the midfielder. In fact, they have identified him as the top choice should Bruno Guimaraes leave for Arsenal. Sport Witness have already reported on this from various sources in Brazil.
A report this week explained that Chelsea had also entered the race for the midfielder. Newcastle, though, remain in pole position for him.
Newcastle’s Guimaraes replacement?
The belief, according to O Globo, is that if Arsenal speed up negotiations for Guimaraes, who has reportedly told Newcastle he wants to leave, that in turn would speed up Newcastle’s negotiations for Danilo.
For now, the Magpies are making the ‘most consistent approaches’ to the Botafogo midfielder.
Discussions have already been held with his representatives about a move to St James Park. In those discussions, the former Nottingham Forest player was presented as the “number one target”. Again, though, no formal offer has been made.
More advanced talks have taken place with Zenit, from Russia. The midfielder’s representatives have held at least three meetings, and an offer has been put on the table.
But, for now, Danilo doesn’t fancy Russian football. He would prefer to join ‘a competitive team in more attractive markets.’
Danilo Santos transfer situation
Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle United all linked
Nottingham Forest still owed money from exit
Botafogo hoped the World Cup would raise his value – it did not
Carlo Ancelotti used the midfielder sparingly
Represented by Bertolucci Sports, who have big clients at all four clubs
🇺🇿Abdukodir Khusanov almost moved to Newcastle United, as his agent explains
💬 “But we established a great rapport with the Magpies. I have great respect for their management, and they were the first to congratulate us on Khusanov’s move to City.”https://t.co/8GJ4zeFDqo
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) July 10, 2026