chelsea The Botafogo midfielder has become the latest Premier League club to join the hot pursuit of Danilo Santos, with the Botafogo midfielder continuing to attract attention from across England following his return from the World Cup.
Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle United have all been linked with the Brazil international in recent weeks. Now, according to the Brazilian outlet fogonetChelsea have also made inquiries with Botafogo regarding the 25-year-old's situation.
The report describes the contact as only a preliminary enquiry, but it links another major English club with one that is becoming increasingly competitive.
Chelsea planning for life after Andre Santos?
Time is telling a lot. Chelsea have already agreed to sell Andre Santos to Manchester United this summer, leaving Xabi Alonso with one less midfield option and creating room for reinforcements.
Danilo Santos may have the same surname, but he is not an identical replacement, but he would bring many of the qualities Chelsea are looking for.
After rebuilding his career at Botafogo following an injury-hit spell at Nottingham Forest, he re-established himself as one of Brazil's most dynamic midfielders and earned a place in Carlo Ancelotti's World Cup squad.
Chelsea are also reaching an interesting juncture in the race. according to espn brazilBrazilian side Palmeiras have already tested Botafogo's resolve with a bid of €25m (£21.5m), but the club's first reaction was that they still expect to get more for the midfielder.
Still, their scope to raise the price much higher may now be limited. Botafogo had hoped the World Cup would take Danilo to the €40m (£34m) figure, but his limited role for Brazil means That expected bounce never really came.
Since the club still requires a major sale, an offer around this level may be more significant than was accepted before the tournament.
Newcastle still leading the English race
While Chelsea is the newest name to emerge, reports from Brazil still suggest Newcastle United are currently the strongest Premier League contenders.
The Magpies are discussing Danilo Santos internally, with recent claims suggesting he could become theirs Preferred replacement if Bruno Guimarães transfers to Arsenal.
Manchester United have also made direct contact with Botafogo in recent weeks, while Arsenal's approach so far has been through the player's representatives.
It means four Premier League clubs have now made concrete moves around Danilo in different ways.
Danilo Santos transfer status
- Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle United are all linked
- Nottingham Forest still owed exit money
- Botafogo hoped the World Cup would boost its value – but it didn't
- Carlo Ancelotti used the midfielder sparingly
- Represented by Bertolucci Sports, who have major clients in all four clubs
🇺🇿Abdukodir Khusanov almost moved to Newcastle United, as his agent explains
💬 "But we established a good relationship with the Magpies. I have great respect for their management, and they were the first to congratulate us when Khusanov moved to the city."https://t.co/8GJ4zeFDqo
- Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 10 July 2026
