​Manchester United are continuing their hunt for midfield reinforcements amid the chatter that a move for Atalanta’s Ederson may be off the table. The Red Devils are prioritising midfield additions this summer as they look to fill the void left by Casemiro’s exit as a free agent. In the meantime, Manuel Ugarte’s ACL injury at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has accelerated United’s plans, prompting renewed urgency to bolster the engine room. A report picked up by The Peoples Person claims that United have already secured the services of Chelsea’s Andrey Santos, though there has been no official confirmation yet.
Earlier in the summer, United and Atalanta appeared to have reached an agreement for Ederson, but new information indicates that the deal has collapsed due to concerns over the player’s fitness. This twist has added to a testing transfer window for the club’s supporters, who have already watched INEOS miss out on two priority targets, Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes. Despite these setbacks, United remain in the market for midfield reinforcements and continue to be linked with a number of potential signings, including Botafogo’s Danilo Santos.
Danilo, a 25-year-old midfielder, already has Premier League experience from a stint with Nottingham Forest, although his initial spell at the City Ground did not go as hoped. He left Forest in the summer of 2025 to join Botafogo and has since rejuvenated his career. This season, he has produced 10 goals and three assists across 24 appearances in all competitions, a tally that highlights his attacking instincts as well as his defensive and positional awareness. He was part of Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup but found limited opportunities as Brazil were eliminated by Norway in the Round of 16. His left-footed profile, combined with strong tactical awareness and all-around ability, continues to make him an attractive option for a club like United that is seeking depth and versatility in midfield.
However, United are now facing competition for Danilo from another familiar adversary in the transfer market. Reports from FogãoNet indicate that Chelsea have already made contact with Botafogo regarding a potential move for Danilo this summer. The publication cites journalist Wellington Arruda on FogãoNET’s Night Live programme, noting that Chelsea are among the English clubs to have approached Botafogo about the defensive midfielder. The Peoples Person has previously stated that Newcastle United are leading the chase for Danilo, with Arsenal, and Manchester United also in the mix. Botafogo reportedly prefer to sell the player to a European club and will only agree to negotiations if the price reflects fair value for the player’s quality and potential.
Galatasaray have also expressed interest in Danilo, though Botafogo’s priority remains a move to Europe rather than a switch to Turkey. The Brazilian club is keen to secure a transfer that satisfies its financial expectations while allowing its star to test himself on a bigger stage. Chelsea’s possible pursuit of Danilo could be interpreted as a strategic move to bolster their midfield options and provide depth behind Thiago Silva’s aging profile and N’Golo Kanté’s uncertain future.
For United, the Danilo link adds another layer to an already crowded market, with several clubs circling a player who could provide balance, energy, and a goal threat from midfield. It remains to be seen whether Chelsea’s interest translates into a formal bid or if United can beat rivals to the punch with a concrete offer. Given the complex dynamics of transfers this summer, any deal for Danilo would need to satisfy Botafogo’s valuation, align with United’s wage structure, and fit the manager’s tactical philosophy.
In summary, United’s pursuit of midfield reinforcements persists amid mixed news on Ederson and ongoing chatter around Danilo Santos. The club, under INEOS’s umbrella, is balancing multiple targets and evaluating the best options to strengthen the squad for the coming season, while contending with competition from other Premier League outfits and European clubs that are closely monitoring Danilo’s situation at Botafogo.