Real Madrid 'join race for Arsenal target Danilo'

The 21-year-old has starred for the Brazilian giants since coming through their youth academy and has seemingly caught the eye of top clubs across Europe.

Danilo - who largely operates in the number six role but can be deployed further forward - has already made 109 appearances for Palmeiras, scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists.

The Brazilian has scored six of those goals in 24 appearances in all competitions during the 2022 season so far and was called up to Tite's squad for June's international friendly matches.

Danilo has already won two Copa Libertadores, a Recopa Sudamericana and one Brazilian Cup during his fledgling career, and his Palmeiras deal still has another four years left to run following a recent extension in February.

Arsenal were believed to be keen on striking a deal for Danilo in January but ultimately decided against a move, and competition for his signature is now set to intensify.

According to journalist Ekrem Konur - via Mundo Deportivo - Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Danilo and will have scouts in attendance to watch him in Palmeiras' upcoming fixtures.

The report adds that Atletico Madrid have also joined the race for Danilo's signature, and Arsenal will not have the advantage of Champions League football in negotiations.

Mikel Arteta's midfield is expected to be thinned by the summer exits of Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira, while Ainsley Maitland-Niles could also move on during the window.

Mohamed Elneny has put pen to paper on a new one-year deal, but the Gunners are still expected to bring at least one new face into the engine room for the 2022-23 season.

Leicester City's Youri Tielemans is understood to be at the top of Arsenal's wishlist, and the North London club are still confident about their chances of getting a deal wrapped up.

Wolverhampton Wanderers' Ruben Neves and Manchester City's Oleksandr Zinchenko are also being linked with moves to the Emirates, with the latter expecting to feature in a similar midfield role that he does for Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Real's supposed interest in Danilo comes in spite of claims that an £85m deal to bring Aurelien Tchouameni to the club from Monaco has been agreed.

The 22-year-old is expected to finalise his move after June's Nations League fixtures, which will see him follow in the footsteps of former Rennes youngster Eduardo Camavinga.

The Champions League holders also confirmed that Luka Modric had signed a new contract with the club earlier this week, and the 36-year-old will remain on the books for at least another 12 months.