Arsenal to strengthen midfield with Palmeiras’ Danilo in January, with Leicester’s Youri Tielemans still a transfer option for Mikel Arteta

Arsenal are 'close' to signing Palmeiras midfielder Danilo, with manager Mikel Arteta keen to bolster his midfield in January.

The Premier League side have been linked with the 21-year-old before following his standout displays with the Brazilian giants.

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It's no secret that the north London giants are in the market for a midfielder having had three bids rejected by Aston Villa for Douglas Luiz on deadline day.

And according to , Arsenal appear to have stepped up their efforts to snap up Danilo when the transfer window opens in the new year.

The Brazilian news outlet reports that Palmeiras are willing to let the youngster go with their Copa Libertadores campaign now over.

Danilo recently helped his side win the top-flight title, and he is alleged to now be on his way to England after the World Cup.

It has been said how Palmeiras have identified Udinese's Walace to be Danilo's replacement, who is 'close to signing' for Arsenal.

Able to operate as a No.6 and No.8, Danilo would provide competition to both Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka.

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The versatile player has appeared in a whopping 56 games in all competitions during the 2022 season – chipping in with seven goals and four assists.

And should he link up with the Premier League table-toppers, he would be one of a number of Brazilians recruited by compatriot and Arsenal technical director Edu.

Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli, who have made Tite's World Cup squad, are on the club's books, along with Gabriel Magalhaes and Marquinhos.

Along with Danilo, Leicester's contract rebel Youri Tielemans remains an option for Arteta, according to Italian journalist .

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With his contract to expire next summer, the Foxes could be willing to part ways with the Belgian in a cut-price deal.

Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers recently stated how he hopes Tielemans extends his stay at the King Power Stadium.

He said: "Youri provides the team with a great know-how in the game.

"He’s a wonderful player to work with. I’ll just continue to work and develop his game while he’s here, however long that is.

"I’d love him to sign another deal and continue his journey here. We’ll see in the coming months.”

And he is a player Darren Bent would love to see at Arsenal: "I would try and get somebody like Youri Tielemans.

"He's 25 and you've seen the goals he's scored this season.

"Also, he's a free at the end of the season. Go to Leicester with £20m in January - you get him."