Arsenal looking to seal transfer for Porto midfielder Danilo Pereira but £55m release clause could cause problems
ARSENAL are plotting a summer move for Porto midfielder Danilo Pereira, according to reports.
Boss Mikel Arteta is hoping to add experience and maturity to his squad in the window, which was a big factor in signing Cedric Soares and David Luiz to new deals.
This change in direction could see the future of Matteo Guendouzi come into question, with the fiery Frenchman having reportedly informed the club that he wants to leave, having been dropped for last night's win at Southampton.
But one player that could be arriving at the Emirates, however, is the Porto skipper Pereira.
According to , the Gunners are "exploring" the possibility of signing the 37-cap Portugal international - who has two years remaining on his contract.
The 28-year-old boasts plenty of high-level experience, having won Euro 2016 with his country - as well as a Liga NOS title with Porto.
His current deal possesses a £55million release clause.
However, because of the financial effect of the coronavirus pandemic, Porto may sell for around a third of this figure.
Meeting Financial Fair Play regulations could also force them into selling.
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Pereira currently earns £48,000-a-week at the Estadio Dragao, meaning Arsenal could comfortably afford his wage demands.
The Gunners have also been strongly linked with Thomas Partey as they seek to bolster their midfield engine room.
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But they are not currently in a position to meet the Atletico Madrid star's £50m release clause.
Pereira, meanwhile, is currently focused on his quest to add another Liga NOS winner's medal to his collection, with Porto sat three points clear of rivals Benfica with six games remaining.
The Gunners' budget will be boosted if they can manage to qualify for European football next year, although they currently sit ninth in the Premier League table.