Arsenal have held exploratory talks over potential moves for Newcastle United pair Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, as the Gunners seek to add a central midfielder this summer. Discussions have taken place with the camps of both players, sources indicate, though Newcastle have not yet received an approach from Arsenal. The club already turned down an £80m bid from Tottenham for Tonali and do not want to lose Guimaraes, their captain and talisman. Guimaraes, 28, has two years left on his contract; Tonali, 26, is effectively tied until 2030 after signing a new deal during his betting ban. Arsenal, who only want one leading midfielder, are also considering Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi, while sporting director Andrea Berta is known for juggling multiple options before deciding.
Newcastle's reluctance to sell may be softening, however, as the club considers a £73.5m move for Borussia Dortmund's Felix Nmecha as a potential replacement for Guimaraes. The Standard reports that Newcastle's no-sale stance could shift if they secure the German midfielder. Meanwhile, Manchester City are monitoring Tonali, with Newcastle in a strong position to command a fee closer to £100m, given City's record £116m deal for Elliot Anderson and West Ham's £80m valuation of Mateus Fernandes.
“Arsenal hold exploratory talks for Newcastle's Guimaraes and Tonali as Newcastle consider £73.5m Nmecha move”
Tottenham, who had their £80m Tonali bid rejected, have accelerated interest in Fernandes. Talks with West Ham are progressing positively, with Spurs optimistic of reaching an agreement for the 21-year-old Portugal international. Spurs boss Roberto de Zerbi is a long-time admirer of Tonali, but after being rebuffed by Newcastle, Tottenham have turned to Fernandes, valued at around £80m by West Ham. The north London club have already made a fast start in the transfer market, signing Martin Dubravka, Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke. The arrival of a new midfielder at Arsenal would likely trigger the sale of Christian Norgaard and could question Martin Zubimendi's starting role.