Arsenal: Edu 'connections' could lure £87m star to the Emirates

Arsenal technical director Edu will play a ‘huge role’ in the Emirates Stadium outfit’s pursuit of Palmeiras star Danilo thanks to his ‘connections in Brazil’, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Edu has been instrumental in the Gunners’ recruitment since returning to north London to work behind-the-scenes in July 2019.

Transfer insider Dean Jones has told GIVEMESPORT that Arsenal are confident of being able to tie up a deal for Danilo next year and they will maintain their interest after he was a top target during the summer window.

It is understood that the Gunners looked to test Palmeiras’ resolve by submitting a £20million bid for the defensive midfielder last month, but he stayed with his current employers.

Arsenal’s proposal fell a long way short of the release clause written into Danilo’s contract with his current employers, which stands at just shy of £87million.

Head coach Mikel Arteta considered bringing forward his interest as a result of injuries sustained by Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Partey during the early stages of the season.

AC Milan also targeted Danilo while the summer window was open for business and French side Marseille have been monitoring his situation as well.

O’Rourke believes Edu could be influential when it comes to Arsenal trying to lure Danilo away from his homeland.

The journalist understands the 21-year-old has been on the north Londoners’ radar for a prolonged period.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “It will play a huge role, I think, Edu’s connections in Brazil.

“Danilo has been a top target for Arsenal, I think, in the last window as well.”

Meeting Danilo’s release clause would result in him surpassing Nicolas Pepe as the most expensive signing in Arsenal’s entire history.

Although he