Arsenal agree terms with Bruno Guimaraes as Liverpool face midfield exit to compete

Liverpool's pre-season officially got under way on Monday as players reported for summer training – but the day was dominated by news that a key midfield target may be slipping away. French newspaper L'Equipe reported that Arsenal have agreed a five-year contract with Bruno Guimaraes until 2031, leaving Liverpool needing to move quickly if they are to hijack the deal. The 28-year-old Newcastle captain is valued at around £76m, although Arsenal already had a £55m offer rejected in June. Newcastle are reluctant to sell, especially after midfield partner Sandro Tonali departed for Tottenham, but a fee in that region could test their resolve. Lyon, who sold Guimaraes to Newcastle in January 2022, hold a 20% sell-on clause – meaning a £76m sale would net the French club around £15m and reduce Newcastle's share. For Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola, signing Guimaraes may require selling an existing midfielder first. One candidate to free up a slot is Curtis Jones, who has personally responded to a transfer rumour regarding his future. The Reds are preparing to fly to the United States for pre-season fixtures, and any new additions would join the tour – but for now, Arsenal appear to have taken the initiative in the race for one of the summer's most coveted players.