Arsenal send scouts to watch £53 million-rated 26-year-old

Arsenal have reportedly sent scouts to observe Porto’s Danilo Pereira, according to stories originating from Portugal (via Metro).

Danilo, 26, is seen as a potential long-term solution to the defensive midfielder position following Granit Xhaka’s failure to impress in that role since his arrival in the summer.

The Gunners will hope to bring Danilo for around £40 million, but could opt to go all the way with his buy-out price being £53 million. Wenger has been trying to solve the defensive midfielder problem for quite some time now, with Francis Coquelin having failed to live up to the standards. The French manager is also amidst a two-year courting process for Sporting Lisbon’s William Carvalho who still remains an option. 

Carvalho would come some £10 million cheaper than Danilo, but the Porto man has been in terrific form this season and may seduce Wenger with his proven ball-interception adeptness and ability to play at the heart of defence.

The Gunners recently appointed former Borussia Dortmund chief of talent spotting Sven Mislentat who has tried to point Wenger’s gaze towards the Bundesliga in bid to find solution to this problem. Among the recommended by him players are Wolfsburg’s Ohis Felix Uduokhai and Mainz’ Abodou Diallo.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Y3-RiEpe00

According to the Metro, the Arsenal scout visited Estadio do Dragao in Porto’s 3-1 victory over Maritimo on Monday. If this is true, the Gunners look to have a serious intent with the player as this is not the first time they have scouted him, with the Sun reporting that the Gunners also sent a scout to watch him against Portimonense last month.

Danilo was alternated with William Carvalho at defensive midfield during Portugal’s European Cup conquest in 2016. The Selecao beat France in the final with Danilo remaining on the bench for this fixture.

His current contract with Porto runs until 2022.