Newcastle United eye Botafogo’s Danilo to replace Bruno Guimaraes should he leave for Arsenal | OneFootball

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

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe may need to replace Arsenal target Bruno Guimaraes, and the Toons want Danilo in his stead.

The Magpies have made it clear to the camp of the former Nottingham Forest player that he is their top target should their current captain leave to join the Gunners.

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

Danilo is open to returning to Europe, and the 25- year-old Brazil international is not short of suitors.

Russian club Zenit St. Petersburg are admirers of the Newcastle target, 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 saw him miss 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 could do with those qualities.

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

Toons legend 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 skipper is their best option.