Arsenal, 'Patrick Vieira-Like' Target Reportedly Developing Mutual Interest

Danilo Pereira has reportedly reignited the Gunners’ interest in him. And the Porto captain may be open to a move this time as he recently hinted at his desire to join the Premier League.

During Arsene Wenger’s reign as Arsenal boss, Pereira was linked to a move to Emirates Stadium, though it did not pan out. This time, Arteta has revived the team’s interest in the midfield star and has plans to sign him when the transfer window opens.

Fortunately for the Gunners, Pereira has a deep admiration for Arteta and dreams of playing in the Premier League. In a recent interview with Stats Perform News (via Yahoo! Sports), the Porto star praised Arteta, whom he says shares similarities with Portuguese coaches.

“I think [Arteta] is doing a really, really good job there,” Pereira said. “He is a Spanish coach, he is a bit similar to Portuguese coaches, they also want to play with the ball and improve with the ball, so I think he is a good coach. The style I think I can fit there, the way he plays also thinking on the ball, the team always has to be together I think it is a good way to play.”

Pereira added that while he likes being with Porto, he has always wanted to join the “best league in the world.”

“Of course I like to be here in Porto to be here in my country, but I want to be in a better league like the Premier League. I always dreamed about playing in that league. I played also in Serie A but I think the Premier League is a huge league and one day I want to play there. I think it’s the best league in the world,” he continued.

Teamtalk suggested that the 28-year-old could be a feasible alternative for another Arsenal prospect, Thomas Partey. Pereira has a €60 million ($69 million) release clause inserted in his contract, but sources told ESPN that the Gunners may be able to sign him for a third of this amount. This would make him a cheaper signing than Partey, who is reportedly likely to stay at Atletico Madrid.

Possibly fueling the Gunners' interest in Pereira are his comparisons to an Arsenal all-time great. According to former Everton, Liverpool and Middlesbrough defender Abel Xavier, Pereira is “a great midfield player who gives a lot of balance in the team.” He said that whenever he watches Pereira, he is reminded of Vieira.

“When I look back, he’s a kind of player like Patrick Vieira when we’re talking about a physical presence,” Xavier said of Pereira.