Report: Arsenal want to sign title-winning 'complete midfielder'

Arsenal have reportedly set their sights on Palmeiras midfielder Danilo.

This is according to Italian outlet Radiosei, via La Lazio Siamo Noi and Sport Witness.

There’s scope for the Gunners to bolster their midfield ranks at the end of the season.

Mohamed Elneny’s contract expires in summer, while Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ future is uncertain.

The Hale End graduate is on loan at Roma and appears surplus to Mikel Arteta’s requirements.

Arsenal director Edu has extensive knowledge of the Brazilian market, and Danilo is one of the country’s top talents.

The 20-year-old played a key role in helping Palmeiras overcome Sao Paulo in the second leg of the Campeonato Paulista’s final on 3 April.

Palmeiras won their 24th Campeonato Paulista after beating Sao Paulo by 5-3 on aggregate.

Danilo has made 97 competitive first-team appearances for Palmeiras, an amazing feat for a player his age.

La Lazio Siamo Noi claims the Italian club has the Brazil youth international on their wishlist.

Danilo has the same representative as Lazio’s Lucas Leiva.

The report also claims the agent’s ‘goal is to bring him to play in Europe’.

As well as Lazio, Arsenal are eyeing Danilo, who boasts a 20m euro (£17million) price tag, added the report.

“He has to play in the Premier League”

Earlier this month, Dudu – Danilo’s Palmeiras teammate – urged him to join a club like Arsenal in the near future.

“He is a star, he has to play in the Premier League,” Danilo’s teammate Dudu told ESPN, via Goal.com.

“I always tell him: ‘You have to play in Manchester United, or Arsenal.

“He has to stay calm, he is a kid who gives his all, but I tell him: ‘You are a player for Chelsea, those kind of teams’.

“He scores, he gets in the area, he helps with marking. He’s a complete midfielder in Brazilian football.”