Palmeiras keep up Nino push, open talks over other centre-back options | OneFootball

Palmeiras are maintaining their push to sign Nino from Zenit while opening talks over alternative centre-back options after completing a deal for Jhon Arias.

According to Globo.com, the club sent an emissary to Abu Dhabi last week, with Zenit involved in a friendly tournament, to try to move negotiations forward, but there has been no breakthrough.

Nino, a Copa Libertadores winner with Fluminense in 2023, has been with Zenit since January 2024.

Palmeiras view the deal as difficult in this window, yet are prepared to be patient and have not ruled it out. In contrast, they walked away from discussions for Danilo after receiving a letter on Thursday from John Textor, who declined to negotiate the midfielder.

Talks with other defensive targets are under way in case an agreement with the Russian side does not progress, though names have not been disclosed. Earlier this year the club sounded out Brighton defender Igor Julio, but it did not advance beyond an initial enquiry.

With Marlon Freitas added in midfield, bolstering centre-back is now the priority. Micael has joined Inter Miami, leaving Gómez, Murilo, Bruno Fuchs and Benedetti in the role.

Source: Globo.com