Arsenal are poised to make a fresh offer for Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes after exploratory talks with the Brazil international's representatives, with a fee of around £60m initially mentioned during discussions. The Gunners have also held talks with representatives of Sandro Tonali as they assess multiple options to bolster their midfield, though sources indicate they only want one leading central midfielder this summer.
Newcastle have already rejected an £80m bid from Tottenham Hotspur for Tonali, and the Italy international is effectively contracted until 2030 after signing a new deal during his 10-month betting ban. With Manchester City also monitoring developments, Newcastle are in a strong position to command a fee closer to £100m for Tonali. However, the club do not want to lose Guimaraes, their captain and talisman, who has two years left on his contract.
“Arsenal prepare new bid for Bruno Guimaraes as Newcastle target Felix Nmecha amid potential midfield exits.”
As Arsenal weigh up their options—also considering Bournemouth's Alex Scott, Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi, and West Ham's Mateus Fernandes—Newcastle are making contingency plans for a potential midfield rebuild. The Magpies have shortlisted Borussia Dortmund's Felix Nmecha, a 25-year-old Germany international with a £73.5m release clause in his contract until 2030. Nmecha, currently at the World Cup with Germany, has started all three group matches, scoring one goal and providing one assist.
Nmecha spent 14 years at Manchester City, making three first-team appearances under Pep Guardiola, before moving to Wolfsburg and then Dortmund in 2023. His 6ft 3in frame allows him to win aerial duels and break up play, while he scored six goals and registered three assists last season. "With Nigeria a lot of the culture is food, happiness, even just the business mindset, being disciplined," Nmecha told SW magazine. "Then the German side is also very disciplined and has good values and morals. And then the England side, I think a lot of English people are very open when it comes to conversations, having a laugh and hard working as well."
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is renowned for working on numerous deals simultaneously before deciding which to execute. The arrival of a new central midfielder will lead to the sale of a current player, with Denmark's Christian Norgaard, 32, someone the club will listen to offers for. Meanwhile, Newcastle face losing both Guimaraes and Tonali to Premier League rivals this summer, with Tottenham having reportedly agreed personal terms with Tonali.