Nottingham Forest to sign long-term Arsenal transfer target, Romano reveals

Suraj Radia

• 13 Jan 2023 09:40 GMT
• 2 min read

Nottingham Forest are set to pull off a transfer coup by signing a player who was believed to be the target of a host of major European sides, including Arsenal.

The Premier League side are reported to be close to a deal for Palmeiras midfielder Danilo, with reporter Fabrizio Romano claiming a medical could be in place as soon as this weekend ‘if all goes to plan’.

Danilo was a long-term target of Arsenal and the Gunners had a bid rejected for him in the summer but they have since seemingly cooled their interest and prioritised a move for Mykhaylo Mudryk, which is understood to be progressing rapidly.

CLOSE: Arsenal submit new bid for top transfer target

Forest have agreed an initial fee of around €20 million for Danilo, beating off competition from Monaco and Atletico Madrid in the process, and the 21-year-old is set to become the club’s 24th signing since their promotion to the Premier League last year.

Palmeiras were previously unwilling to sell their star midfielder, who played more than 50 games for them last season, but they altered their stance after Danilo pushed for a Premier League move following the club’s Brazilian title win.

Why did Arsenal opt against moving for Danilo?

Danilo had been scouted by Arsenal for more than a year and there was a belief that the defensive midfielder was the long-term answer to the Mikel Arteta’s defensive midfield concerns.

PROFILE: Everything you need to know about Danilo

The Gunners have had injury concerns this season in the middle of the park, with Mohamed Elneny only recently returning from a long-term absence, while there are still doubts over Sambi Lokonga’s suitability in the Premier League.

However, while Danilo is still thought to be highly-rated at the Emirates, Arsenal were believed to be unconvinced at the Brazilian’s ability to provide an instant impact to the club’s title charge this season.

The club have opted to utilise their resources on pursuing a forward this winter following the long-term injury to top-scorer Gabriel Jesus and a deal is believed to be close for Mudryk.

Arsenal have made another bid for the Shakhtar wonderkid believed to be around £80m including add-ons, with personal terms already agreed for the 22-year-old.