Arsenal have stepped up their pursuit of Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes, tabling a £70m offer for the Brazil midfielder as they look to strengthen their Premier League title defence. The 28-year-old is a priority target for the Gunners and is understood to be keen on joining the north London club, with talks believed to have accelerated in recent days. However, sources close to Newcastle insist the Magpies have no intention of selling this summer and that there has been no direct approach from Arsenal. Despite the impasse, Arsenal remain determined and are willing to offer Guimaraes a significant contract, with personal terms not expected to be an obstacle.
While the Guimaraes saga unfolds, Arsenal are also exploring a blockbuster move for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior. The Spanish club have set a price of 160m euros (£137m) for the 26-year-old, who has one year left on his contract. Arsenal are prepared to offer Vinicius the biggest contract in the club’s history, but the player’s priority remains a new deal at Real Madrid. Manager Jose Mourinho has made it clear he wants Vinicius to stay, though Real may need to raise funds for a £102m pursuit of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande – a development that could increase the likelihood of Vinicius leaving.
“Arsenal table £70m for Bruno Guimaraes as Vinicius Jr (£137m) and Barcola (£145m) emerge as targets.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal have been alerted to the availability of Paris St-Germain forward Bradley Barcola, with the French club demanding £145m for the 23-year-old. Arsenal and Liverpool have both registered interest. The Gunners have already explored a move for Barcola, who impressed last season. PSG are said to have adjusted their demands as Barcola’s contract talks continue.
The flurry of activity comes after Arsenal missed out on Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, who joined Chelsea for £117m after the Gunners refused to match the fee. Arsenal have also enquired about Villa defender Ezri Konsa, their first-choice defensive target, while a move for Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez appears financially prohibitive. With the summer window entering a critical phase, the next week could be decisive for Arsenal’s ambitions.