Transfer Profile: Danilo

Danilo

By Tum Balogun 

The Gunners have already assembled an elite group of Brazilians who have helped fire Mikel Arteta’s team to the Premier League summit. 

The summer addition of Gabriel Jesus has many concluding this season will bring an end to Arsenal’s Champions League drought and owing to technical director Edu Gaspar’s connections in his native Brazil, the club has no intention of easing their penchant for South American talent. 

Let’s take a look at the next Brazilian gem who could be walking through the doors at London Colney. 


Who is he? 

Danilo is a 21-year-old midfielder, who is primarily deployed at the base of a three, and currently plies his trade for Série A outfit Palmeiras. 

A solid defensive presence, the left footer also offers plenty in an attacking phase with a progressive style which suits Arteta’s football. 

The youngster was part of the Palmeiras team who won back-to-back Copa Libertadores crowns, most recently in 2021, which was followed up with a run to the final of the FIFA Club World Cup. 

Danilo and his team would ultimately come unstuck against Chelsea in a 2-1 defeat after extra time, but the starlet featured in every minute of the contest.  


 What will he bring? 

Danilo’s position and style makes him a perfect deputy for Thomas Party who has shown himself to be particularly injury prone since arriving from Atletico Madrid. 

The youngster is perhaps best characterised by his aggression; in the tackle, in the press, in almost every action on the field. 

That aggression spilled over in Palmeiras’ Libertadores semi-final defeat to Athletico Paranense, where he was dismissed in a first-leg loss, though that remains his only red card in 130 appearances. 

The midfielder is also an admirer of the raking cross field pass to forwards in wide positions, a skill the Arsenal boss demands of his players in deep central positions. 

A reasonable comparison for Danilo is Manchester United’s Fred, and as alarming as that may sound for some Gunners fans it shouldn’t be forgotten how highly sought after the Brazilian was before coming into contact with the Old Trafford malaise. 


Verdict? 

Arsenal were linked with Danilo back in January but Palmeiras’ ongoing cup run and unaligned transfer window prohibited any switch. 

Nearly a year on, the Brazilian side may be tempted to part ways with their gifted prospect though if reports are to be believed it will come at a hefty price. 

£86 million is believed to be Danilo’s release clause which would obviously rule the Gunners out but if Palmeiras were to accept a bid of a considerably lower value the 21-year-old would make for a great addition to the ranks at the Emirates. 

His age, abilities and room to progress in an empowering environment will make him adequate cover in the short term and a bona fide superstar in the future. 

Danilo is currently seen as one of the brightest talents coming out of a nation which has begun to produce stellar talents again after a lull in the mid-2000s and in Danilo Arsenal could be home to yet another promising Brazilian. 

Photo Credit: Getty Images 

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