Arsenal are poised to submit a fresh offer for Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes after exploratory talks over a potential £60m deal. The Brazil international, who has two years left on his contract, is the primary target as Mikel Arteta seeks to bolster his midfield. Newcastle have yet to receive an official approach, but negotiations with Guimaraes' representatives have progressed, with initial discussions indicating a fee of around £60m.
Arsenal have also held talks with representatives of Sandro Tonali, the Italy international who signed a contract extension until 2030 during a 10-month betting ban. Newcastle turned down an £80m bid from Tottenham Hotspur for Tonali and are reportedly seeking closer to £100m, with Manchester City also monitoring the situation.
“Arsenal are set to bid for Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes after exploratory talks, with a £60m fee discussed.”
Andrea Berta, Arsenal's sporting director, is renowned for working on numerous deals simultaneously. The Gunners are only targeting one leading central midfielder this summer, with Bournemouth's Alex Scott, Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi, and West Ham's Mateus Fernandes also under consideration. The age of the targets is a key factor: Guimaraes turns 29 in November, while Tonali turned 26 in May. Arsenal have also expressed firm interest in 22-year-old Scott, who is attracting attention from Manchester United and Chelsea.
Newcastle do not want to lose Guimaraes, their talisman and captain, who is currently focused on Brazil's World Cup campaign. His side face Japan in the last 32. To make room for a new arrival, Arsenal are prepared to listen to offers for Denmark international Christian Norgaard, 32, who could be sold.
The move for Guimaraes comes as the transfer market heats up, with Manchester City's record £116m deal for Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson and West Ham's £80m valuation for Fernandes setting a high bar. Whether Arsenal can persuade Newcastle to part with their captain remains to be seen, but with Berta known for juggling multiple negotiations, a decisive move is imminent.