Club chief reveals how he put foot down on Arsenal summer bid for star talent ‘under any circumstances’
Palmeiras president Leila Pereira has revealed how he did not let Arsenal target Danilo leave this summer “under any circumstances”.
The Gunners enjoyed a strong transfer window and are subsequently reaping the rewards of their business. In fact, they sit top of the Premier League table, with the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko performing well.
Midfielder Fabio Vieira has also clicked into gear following his arrival from Porto.
The 22-year-old scored his first Arsenal goal in the recent 3-0 win over Brentford, receiving strong pundit praise. But, Arsenal wanted to sign another midfielder before the transfer window closed.
Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz was a high-profile target, but the Gunners also reportedly made a £20million bid for his fellow Brazilian Danilo.
And while the 21-year-old Palmeiras star stayed put, Arsenal will reportedly go back in for him in future transfer windows.
Speaking to Torcedores, Palmeiras president Pereira has now revealed how he stood firm over Danilo’s future.
“Regarding Danilo: I said he wasn’t going to leave and he didn’t,” the club chief said.
“I’ll tell you: players of this size, important in the history of Palmeiras, I don’t make decisions alone.
“I always consult our coach, coaching staff. If my coach says he can’t lose the player under any circumstances, he doesn’t leave.”
Palmeiras protecting Danilo rise
Danilo is one of the most exciting Brazilian prospects. While he usually plays in a defensive midfield role, he has played more centrally too.
He has already racked up 131 appearances for Palmeiras, chipping in with 12 goals and nine assists.
Danilo’s rise led to his first Brazil call-up in the summer, where he made one matchday squad – for a clash against Japan – but remained on the bench.
However, Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira recently slammed the decision.
“About Danilo: it was really bad for him to go to the national team,” Ferreira said.
“I remember that I had an internal conversation with the club and I expressed my opinion about his departure, but I am not in charge. He’s going through a less good phase, that’s part of it.”
Arsenal targeting Brazilian cohort
Arsenal, led on the recruitment side by Edu Gaspar, are clearly targeting Brazilian players to join Mikel Arteta’s ranks.
Former Manchester City striker Jesus arrived this summer alongside his compatriot Marquinhos.
And the pair joined forward Gabriel Martinelli and centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes as the star Brazilians in Arsenal’s ranks.
Edu used to work with the Brazil national team and has used those connections ever since.
Danilo remains something of an unknown quantity at Palmeiras, whose chief staff are clearly looking to keep him under wraps as much as they can.
However, it seems only a matter of time before he gets a proper chance on the international stage.
Palmeiras have protected Danilo’s transfer value, too. In tying him to a new deal earlier this year, his release clause is now set at £85.5million.
As such, clubs who want to sign him will either have to negotiate very well or stump up the cash in the upcoming transfer windows.
