Arsenal will reportedly have to fend off interest from Real Madrid to strike a deal for Brazilian midfielder Danilo this summer - just months after they passed on the chance to sign the Palmeiras ace back in January.
The 21-year-old enforcer has caught the eye of some of Europe's top clubs after his dazzling displays in Brazil. Danilo's impressive form had seen him linked with a €20million (£17.1m) switch to the Premier League back in the winter transfer window - however, a move to Arsenal failed to materialise.
And the Gunners could be left to rue that missed opportunity, after a new report from MundoDeportivo claimed that both Los Blancos and Atletico Madrid are now keeping a close eye on the midfield starlet.
Danilo's rapid progression has not gone unnoticed in La Liga, with two of Spain's biggest clubs now poised to send scouts to watch the youngster in Palmeiras' upcoming games.
Danilo - who impressed for Palmeiras in their Club World Cup final clash against Chelsea earlier this year - has evolved into a key player in a side that has won two Copa Libertadores and the Recopa Sudamericana since his emergence. The midfield maestro has racked up over a century of appearances for the Brazilian outfit and has even managed to contribute eleven goals and seven assists during that period.
Palmeiras currently have the talented youngster tied down on a deal until 2026 - but the likes of Real and Atletico could seriously test their resolve if they decide to firm up their interest in Danilo with a concrete proposal in the coming weeks.
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It remains to be seen if Arsenal will rekindle their interest in the Palmeiras star, who admitted earlier this year that he'd been taking English lessons to prepare him for a future move. However, it's been well-documented that Mikel Arteta is in the market for midfield reinforcements ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
The Gunners have, seemingly, reignited their interest in another January target, Arthur Melo. The Juventus ace was a target for Arteta back in January, however Arsenal were unable to come to terms on a deal with Juventus.
While Arsenal are still exploring a deal for Arthur, the Juventus outcast is far from the only midfielder that Arsenal have been tracking ahead of the summer transfer window.
Various reports have claimed that Arteta and the Gunners are also interested in Premier League duo Youri Tielemans and Yves Bissouma. Both are about to head into the final 12 months of their contracts at Leicester City and Brighton respectively and are expected to be available for the right price this summer.
