Arsenal are mulling over a potential summer move for FC Porto’s midfield star Danilo Pereira, who could be available for €20 million.
According to ESPN, Danilo Pereira has emerged as the latest target for Arsenal. The Gunners are apparently eyeing a potential deal for the FC Porto sensation as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his midfield options in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Given the financial troubles inflicted by the Coronavirus pandemic, however, Arsenal are forced to look at cost-effective options. As a result, they have set their sights on Pereira, who, despite having a €60 release clause in his contract, could be available for a fee in the region of €20 million, with FC Porto ready to cash in.
Pereira himself is open to a move to the Premier League, with his contract expiring in 2022. But, at the same time, the holding midfielder is focused on his current objective this season at Porto as he looks to help his club secure the Primeira Liga title.
The Portuguese giants are currently leading second-placed SL Benfica by three points with six games remaining. Pereira has indeed played a key role in this journey, making 20 league appearances. His leadership alongside Mateus Uribe and Sergio Oliviera have been critical behind Porto’s excellent turnaround.
For Arsenal, Pereira should serve as an excellent cost-effective option in their bid to reinforce the midfield department. Especially in the number six role, the Gunners have lacked depth, with Granit Xhaka being the only viable option from the current setup.
The Portuguese international, in that regard, should provide his Swiss counterpart with an added incentive to fight for his place in the first-team next season. In addition, he is also an option to feature in central midfield, especially with Lucas Torreira struggling with injuries while Matteo Guendouzi has been recently linked with a move to Spain.
Pereira has the leadership and aggression necessary to provide more stability in Arteta’s system. But importantly, he has the versatility as well as the experience at the highest level of football, having made almost 200 competitive appearances for Porto while winning 37 caps for the Portuguese national team.
Moreover, a fee of just €20 million makes him a cost-effective alternative to Arsenal’s top target Thomas Partey. The Atletico Madrid midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to Emirates in recent months. But, his €50 million release clause could be too much for Arsenal, who are likely to face financial difficulties this summer.
