Arsenal set to step up Danilo transfer talks as Mikel Arteta looks to add Palmeiras star to squad for Prem title charge

ARSENAL are considering a January move for Palmeiras star Danilo to keep their title tilt on track.

The Gunners will be top of the Premier League at Christmas for the first time since 2007, and the north Londoners want to give Mikel Arteta all he needs to stay there.

Danilo is being heavily linked with a move to the EmiratesGetty

Arteta, 40, has relied on a small group of key players across all competitions this season, with the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Granit Xhaka playing almost every minute.

After a big spending summer, Arsenal are ready to go again in January and are considering acting on their longstanding interest in Danilo.

The Brazilian defensive midfielder, 21, has long been on the radar of European clubs and has been thoroughly scouted by Arsenal as they look to add cover for Xhaka and Thomas Partey in midfield.

Arteta tried to add fellow Brazil man Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa in the summer window, with three deadline day bids rejected by the Midlands club.

Luiz has since signed a new deal at Villa Park, meaning Arsenal must move on to other targets.

Danilo, who was called into the Brazil squad earlier this season but is yet to be capped by Tite, has already racked up 141 Palmeiras appearances despite his young age – scoring 12 goals during that time.

The Gunners have previously discussed a £22million move for Danilo with the South American club.

And the Premier League leaders are ready to return for further talks next month.

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Arsenal are also looking to add a winger to Arteta’s squad and have been tracking Shakhtar Donetsk’s Mykhaylo Mudryk, who has been happy to discuss a potential move to the Emirates in recent interviews.

Their push to win the title resumes on Boxing Day with a London derby at home to West Ham.

Arteta and those in the squad who are not in Qatar for the World Cup will prepare for the second half of the season with warm-weather training and friendlies against AC Milan and Lyon in Dubai.