Midfielder Danilo reiterated to Botafogo that he has no interest in transferring to Zenit, from Russia, and the Rio de Janeiro club is looking for alternatives in the squad that could satisfy the Russians to enable the signing of Luiz Henrique. The initial plan was to make a kind of swap with Zenit, but this would depend on Danilo's approval, who was consulted and reinforced his refusal. The salary issue also weighs on the negotiation.
Botafogo evaluated other possibilities, including a reassessment of Palmeiras' offer, which sold Allan to Manchester City and lost John Arias due to injury. However, the São Paulo club did not come back with an offer and slowed down investments. Botafogo also received interest from Atalanta, from Italy, which would be viable for Danilo, but the offer wasn't financially viable.
With the transfer window closing in other markets, the only remaining options for Danilo would be Russia or Turkey. Botafogo has support from GDA's Gabriel de Alba, future investor of the club's SAF. With Danilo's departure unlikely at this moment, other players from the squad could be involved in the operation with Zenit to try to enable the arrival of Luiz Henrique.
