Manchester United make contact to sign £34m player who Arsenal are also looking at

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Manchester United are still hunting for midfield reinforcements – with just days remaining until the 2024/25 Premier League campaign begins – and a target for Arsenal has now been approached.

Erik ten Hag still finds himself leaning on Casemiro – who Troy Deeney called the most disappointing player in the entire Premier League last season – which is a problem heading into the new season.

Furthermore, 20-year-old Toby Collyer played a part against Manchester City in the FA Community Shield, which, despite his potential, shows just how threadbare Manchester United’s midfield department currently is.

Now – however – Manchester United have approached an Arsenal target to amend this situation…

Manchester United make Danilo approach

A story from TNT Sports now states that Manchester United have made contact with Nottingham Forest to ask about Danilo.

The Brazilian has impressed at the City Ground ever since sealing an £18m move from Palmeiras back in January 2023 – scoring five goals while also providing four assists in 42 Premier League appearances as Nottingham Forest narrowly avoided relegation on two occasions.

It comes after HITC exclusively revealed that Arsenal are also considering a move for Danilo this summer.

TNT Sports explain that Nottingham Forest are willing to sell the South American if a bid of €40m (£34m) is made – with AC Milan also trying to secure his signature.

Arsenal could move if Mikel Merino deal collapses

As Manchester United approach Nottingham Forest for talks about Danilo, Arsenal seem preoccupied with negotiations elsewhere.

A story from El Diario Vasco on Monday claimed that the Gunners are waiting to see if Real Sociedad No.8 Mikel Merino wants to join them – or whether he will choose to stay in the Basque Country, as Martin Zubimendi has done in rejecting a move to Liverpool.

The Spaniard seems to be Arsenal’s No.1 midfield target, so Manchester United would be wise to try and strike a deal for Danilo as quickly as possible.

If talks to sign Merino collapse, it is entirely possible that the Gunners attempt to hijack Manchester United’s discussions with Nottingham Forest.

After all, Arsenal wanted to sign Danilo before his move to Nottingham Forest, so Mikel Arteta is clearly a huge admirer of the 23-year-old.

READ MORE: £30m Arsenal target appears to wave goodbye to fans after Manchester United open talks to sign him

Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Manchester United push to sign the man from Salvador.