Newcastle United's Botafogo's interest in midfielder Danilo Santos has now become clear. And that's Bruno Guimarães.
The Magpies were already studying the Botafogo midfielder. However, the Brazilian's latest claims suggest that situation could change if Bruno Guimarães leaves for Arsenal.
according to band sportsDanilo is now seen as the favorite to replace his compatriot at Newcastle if the transfer goes through.
newcastle succession plan
So far, Newcastle seemed to be taking a cautious approach around Danilo. Eddie Howe liked the player, but any move was expected to depend on the club's internal midfield assessment and a possible exit. The future of Bruno Guimarães now gives more clear direction to that interest.
If Arsenal make a move for Bruno, Newcastle will need a midfielder capable of carrying a similar responsibility. Danilo Santos is not a similar player, but there is some logic to that.
He is Brazilian, already knows the Premier League from his Nottingham Forest spell, and offers a dynamic box-to-box profile.
Danilo makes sense – with caveats
Danilo's strongest appeal is his energy. He presses, covers ground, attacks the box and has become far more productive in Brazil. This makes him a natural candidate for a Newcastle team that relies heavily on intensity in midfield.
However there are still issues. No price has been revealed in this latest report, but Botafogo are pushing for a major sale after the World Cup. However, As we covered this weekHis absence from Carlo Ancelotti's plans during the tournament could be a blow to the Brazilian club's valuation.
Newcastle also need to decide whether Danilo Santos is certainly the right use of significant money. But compared to previous reports, this now seems like a possible replacement plan.
The midfielder has long wanted a return to England, and Newcastle have been repeatedly named as one of the Premier League clubs keeping an eye on him. But in the end, it is Arsenal's pursuit of Bruno Guimarães that may force the Magpies to look in another Brazilian direction.
