Arsenal are ready to extend their Brazilian influence even further with two new signings from South America.
The Gunners have become steeped in Samba over recent seasons, particularly since the introduction of former Invincible Edu Gaspar as technical director. Gabriel Martinelli, whom Edu is very close to, was one of Edu’s first recommended signings after his arrival in 2019 – before Chelsea stalwart David Luiz belatedly replaced outgoing captain Laurent Koscielny in the same summer.
Another former Blues star, Willian, joined Mikel Arteta weeks before defender Gabriel, while this summer Gabriel Jesus followed young Marquinhos through the London Colney door.
Arsenal’s recruitment policy of picking stars from the Selecao may not be over yet either, with a well-known transfer insider fabrice romano (opens in a new tab) stating that the Gunners want two more Brazilians.
“Danilo is one of the players that Arsenal followed during the summer but he was never close to being finished, Palmeiras wanted more than 35 million euros for him,” Romano said. TakenOffside (opens in a new tab).
“Douglas Luiz remains on the list but nothing is decided yet for January.”
Both players are physical midfielders who can both defend and hold the ball. At just 21, Danilo is a southpaw No.8 playing in his native Serie A with Palmeiras, while Luiz – who the Gunners tried to snare on deadline day – is more often used as a No.6 by Aston Villa and could challenge Thomas Partey for a starting spot.
Arsenal have won all but one game so far this season, with Granit Xhaka being voted the club’s Player of the Month by fans for his performances on the left side of midfield 4-3-3.
danilo (opens in a new tab) is valued at around £22.5million per transfer marketwhile Douglas Louis (opens in a new tab) is estimated at £31.5 million.
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