Barcelona have entered talks to sign Brazilian defensive midfielder, price set at €25m

One of Barcelona’s main priorities in the summer transfer window is to sign a new holding midfielder.

With Sergio Busquets unlikely to continue beyond 2023, the club are looking for someone who can serve as a deputy before eventually taking on the mantle of becoming the first-choice number six.

Barcelona have been linked with a move for Ruben Neves, but as per Diario SPORT, they are also keeping tabs on Danilo, and have approached Palmeiras to sign him.

Currently plying his trade for Palmeiras, the 21 -year-old is one of the hottest prospects in South American football, having enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence in the past couple of years.

His performances in the Brazilian top flight and in Copa Libertadores have been exemplary, with many expecting him to soon make the move to Europe.

That is where Barcelona come into the fray. The Catalans have great interest over the youngster and have emerged as the undisputed favourite in the race to sign the midfielder this summer.

Danilo is set to cost around €20-25 million. The club are targeting him as a deputy for Busquets, unlike Ruben Neves, who was considered as a direct competitor for the veteran.

Danilo himself is keen on joining Barca as he wants to become a part of Xavi’s setup. If he does arrive at Camp Nou, he will be utilised as a backup for Busquets next season.

He will spend his first year familiarising himself to Xavi’s tactics, before eventually grooming into a first-team player for the Spanish giants.

For a fee of €20-25 million, the Brazilian could be an excellent cost-effective alternative for Neves. But given his lack of experience in Europe, there is certainly some risk attached to Barcelona’s pursuit of the youngster.

Whether or not Danilo can overcome that barrier and fulfil his expectations at Camp Nou remains anyone’s guess.