Arsenal are preparing a £70m offer for Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes, with the Brazil international keen to join the Premier League champions. Talks have accelerated in recent days and personal terms are not expected to be an issue, though sources close to Newcastle insist they have no intention of selling and that no direct approach has been made.
The 28-year-old midfielder is a priority target for Mikel Arteta, but the club’s ambition stretches further. Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr is regarded internally as the primary target – Arteta is said to be ‘smitten’ at the prospect of bringing the 25-year-old to north London. Vinicius wants to feel appreciated at whichever club he plays for, and a move to Arsenal would offer him that recognition, according to reports. His contract at Real Madrid expires next summer, and although fresh talks were opened on Monday, there has been no breakthrough.
“Arsenal set £70m bid for Bruno Guimaraes while also pursuing Vinicius Jr as dream signing.”
Real Madrid have been active in the transfer market, agreeing a substantial deal for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande and pursuing Manchester City midfielder Rodri. Should both costly deals be finalised, a high-profile departure may become necessary, with Vinicius potentially the one to make way – particularly given he could walk away for nothing next year.
Arsenal have yet to splash the cash in any meaningful way this summer, aside from the £34m signing of Greece forward Christos Tzolis. They missed out on Morgan Rogers, who joined Chelsea for £117m, after refusing to exceed their £80m valuation. The Gunners also have a major interest in Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa and have explored moves for Paris St-Germain winger Bradley Barcola and Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez – their dream target, though the cost could exceed the British record fee of £125m and the player’s desire to join Barcelona poses difficulties.
Whether Arsenal’s £70m offer will meet Newcastle’s valuation remains to be seen, and the club’s hardline approach – unwilling to overpay despite their desire – suggests negotiations could be protracted. With Vinicius also in their sights, Arteta faces a summer of high-stakes decisions.
