Arsenal-linked Danilo opens door to Premier League move

Palmeiras midfielder Danilo has revealed that he is 'ready' to step up and play in the Premier League amid interest from Arsenal.

The Gunners have been strongly linked with the highly-rated 21-year-old, with one recent report claiming that they are close to striking a deal with the Brazilian ahead of the January window.

Mikel Arteta, who currently sees his team sitting five points clear at the top of the Premier League, revealed before the World Cup break that his side will be active in the winter market.

"Of course we can improve the team, we will always be looking to do that as a club. I don't know [if we will be busy in January], this window is so unpredictable," Arteta told reporters.

"Especially with the World Cup in the middle. We will have a look, we will try to get the squad stronger and we will be active because you don't know what's going to happen in that World Cup, but touch wood they will all be okay."

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With Arteta allegedly set to be given funds to spend in January, Arsenal are understood to have stepped up their interest in Danilo, who believes he is capable of performing at a high level in any competition.

Asked by UOL Esporte about a potential move to the Premier League with Arsenal, Danilo said: "I see myself mature enough to be able to play in any competition in the world, I'm ready.

"But I prefer not to get involved with these transfer issues. I told my manager to only talk to me if it's the right thing. Then, we sit down and talk to Palmeiras and decide what's best for everyone."

Danilo has also opened up about his relationship with Arsenal duo Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli after training alongside the pair with the Brazil national team.

"Being there with the best in the world, players I'm a fan of, only helped me," Danilo added. "It was very good. I made friends and learned a lot. I got closer to Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Dani Alves."

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Danilo is yet to receive an international cap for the senior Brazil side and he ultimately missed out on a place in Tite's 26-man squad for the 2022 World Cup.

Nevertheless, the deep-lying midfielder has developed into a first-team regular with Palmeiras, featuring in 141 games across all competitions since his debut in 2020.

Fifty-eight of those appearances have come this year with Palmeiras, scoring seven goals and providing four assists to help the Verdao lift their 11th Brasileiro title and the Campeonato Paulista.

Arsenal have also been linked with a January swoop for Leicester City's Youri Tielemans, who is out of contract at the end of the season and could be available for a cut-price fee.