Two of the Premier League’s biggest clubs are in a quiet tug-of-war over a 25-year-old Brazilian midfielder who already knows English football, and his current club might be willing to deal for less than originally advertised.
Danilo dos Santos de Oliveira, known simply as Danilo Santos, has attracted serious interest from both Manchester United and Arsenal. Botafogo initially slapped a €40 million price tag on the box-to-box midfielder, roughly £34 million, but that figure now appears negotiable following limited playing time during the 2026 World Cup.
Two clubs, two approaches
Arsenal reportedly contacted the player’s representatives directly, while Manchester United went straight to Botafogo. Both inquiries came in early July 2026.
Fulham previously submitted a bid of €30 million that Botafogo rejected.
