Arsenal have registered their interest in signing Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle United this summer, according to reports, as the club looks to strengthen its squad for the coming season. The 28-year-old has been a key figure for Newcastle since joining from Lyon, but the Gunners are now preparing to test the Magpies’ resolve with a formal offer.
The development comes as Tottenham Hotspur step up their own midfield hunt after seeing a second bid for Sandro Tonali rejected by Newcastle, who value the Italy international at around £100m. Spurs have now turned their attention to West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, with talks described as progressing positively and the 21-year-old Portugal international valued at about £80m by the Hammers. Manchester United and Paris St-Germain have also been linked with Fernandes.
“Arsenal pursue Bruno Guimaraes as Newcastle resist; Spurs target Fernandes after Tonali bid fails”
Arsenal’s move for Guimarães signals Mikel Arteta’s intention to keep building a side capable of challenging on multiple fronts, after a campaign that saw the team fall short in the Premier League. The midfielder’s experience and passing range would offer a different option in the centre of the park, alongside Declan Rice and emerging talent Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Newcastle, however, are under no pressure to sell, with Guimarães still having four years left on his contract. The club already rebuffed Spurs’ advances for Tonali, who signed a new deal earlier this year to repay the faith shown in him during a 10-month ban for breaching betting rules. With both midfielders now the subject of intense interest, the Magpies face a balancing act between keeping their stars and capitalising on their market value.
Tottenham have been the most active Premier League side in the window so far, having already completed four signings including goalkeeper Martin Dubravka on a free transfer from Burnley, defender Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth, Andy Robertson from Liverpool, and Netherlands defender Jan Paul van Hecke for £52m from Brighton. Their pursuit of Fernandes suggests they are prepared to spend heavily again, but Newcastle’s firm stance on Tonali has forced a change of direction.
West Ham, meanwhile, are braced for interest in several players following their relegation from the Premier League. Crysencio Summerville and Jarrod Bowen have both been linked with moves away, while Hammers target Abdul Fatawu of Leicester is also attracting attention. The club’s valuation of Fernandes at £80m reflects their determination to maximise returns on their assets.
As the summer window heats up, all eyes will be on whether Arsenal can land Guimarães or whether Newcastle’s resistance will force them to look elsewhere. For now, the battle lines are drawn.