Arsenal target Danilo Pereira the next Patrick Vieira – Abel Xavier

Arsenal could be getting their hands on the next Patrick Vieira if they manage to sign Porto captain Danilo Pereira.

That is the view of Abel Xavier, who tipped his Portuguese compatriot to shine in the Premier League if given the chance.

Defensive midfielder Pereira, who moved to Porto from Maritimo in 2015, has been heavily linked with the Gunners, with whom Vieira won three league titles.

And former Portugal international Xavier thinks it would be a good move for both Pereira and Arsenal.

"Danilo I think is a great midfield player who gives a lot of balance in the team," Xavier told Stats Perform News.

"He plays very simple football and his physical presence is important on the field.

"When I look back, he's a kind of player like Patrick Vieira when we're talking about a physical presence.

Danilo Pereira: “Ser capitão do FC Porto traz, acima de tudo, responsabilidade. Tirar os nossos interesses em prol de muita gente: colegas, treinadores, dirigentes, público. Aprendi muito este ano, como jogador e como homem”#FCPorto #FCPortoEmCasa pic.twitter.com/08OYbdWAGE

— FC Porto (@FCPorto) April 4, 2020

"I think if Arsenal are interested in him, for the style they play at the moment, a team trying to use forward-thinking players who are always very positive, it's very important to have balanced players – Danilo is this kind of player.

"I think it can be very good for both if there is a concrete interest."

Porto turned down a bid from Monaco for Pereira's services in July 2019.