Newcastle United eye Botafogo’s Danilo to replace Guimaraes if he joins Arsenal | OneFootball

Newcastle United have opened talks with the representatives of Botafogo midfielder Danilo, according to Brazilian outlet O Globo.

The Magpies have made it clear to the former Nottingham Forest player’s representatives that he is their top target if Bruno Guimaraes joins Arsenal.

However, Newcastle have yet to make a formal offer to Botafogo.

Danilo is open to returning to Europe, and he is not short of suitors. Russian club Zenit St Petersburg are admirers, but he is not keen on joining them.

He made 62 appearances for Forest before returning to Brazil last year, weighing in with six goals and four assists.

A broken leg on the opening day of the 2024-25 season resulted in him missing most of the campaign, and a return to England could appeal to him.

Danilo made four appearances at the World Cup after ending last season with seven goals and two assists in 12 league games for Botafogo.

His passing and creativity in the middle of the park are his biggest strengths, and Newcastle need those qualities.

Losing Guimaraes to Arsenal is a big blow, but he wants to leave and it makes no sense to keep him against his wishes.

Former Newcastle star Alan Shearer believes his old club should only keep players who want to stay and sell those looking to leave.

Newcastle cannot hold on to players no longer committed to them, and cashing in on their captain is their best option.