Arsenal are planning a £26m bid for Palmeiras midfielder Danilo, according to reports.
The Gunners have made a move to sign the 21-year-old at the close of the summer transfer window, but the Brazilian club held firm and retained the highly-rated midfielder.
Arsenal’s £20m bid was rejected by Palmeiras, who is protected by a €100m (£86.6m) release clause in his contract, which runs until 2026.
Mikel Arteta has also targeted Douglas Luiz, but the Brazilian midfielder, who is out of contract next summer, recently signed a new deal with Aston Villa.
In accordance with The sunArsenal have already decided to make another bid for Danilo in the January window and plan to make a £26m bid after World Cup ended.
The report claims Arsenal believe Palmeiras could be willing to sell Danilo when their season ends next month.
The 21-year-old has played a key role in Palmeiras’ recent success, helping the club win two Copa Libertadores titles, the Paulista Championship and the Copa Brasil. He is also set to add Brazil’s Serie A to his list of honors as Palmeiras close in on the title.
Speaking after the summer transfer window closed, Palmeiras president Leila Pereira insisted Danilo will not be sold.
“I said he wasn’t going to leave and he didn’t,” Leila Pereira said.
“I will tell you, players of this size, important in the history of Palmeiras, I do not make decisions alone.
“I always consult with our coach, with the coaching staff. When my coach says he can’t lose a player under any circumstances, he doesn’t leave.”
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Arsenal plot £26m bid for Palmeiras midfielder Danilo after the World Cup