Bruno Guimaraes has agreed a five-year contract with Arsenal, according to French publication L'Equipe, as the Brazilian midfielder pushes for a move from Newcastle United — a transfer that would make him the second high-profile departure from the north-east this summer after Sandro Tonali joined Tottenham for £100m.
The 28-year-old, whose World Cup ended with Brazil's last-16 exit to Norway, is now focused on securing a move to north London. Arsenal are ready to lodge an offer of around £60m for the Newcastle captain, though the Magpies have insisted he is not for sale. They have, however, sanctioned sales before.
“Bruno Guimaraes has agreed a five-year contract with Arsenal as Illan Meslier joins on a free transfer.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer after his contract expired at Leeds United. The 26-year-old spent seven years at Elland Road, making 215 appearances and keeping 70 clean sheets. “I’m extremely happy. It’s a great day for me because I have just joined the champions,” Meslier said. “For me, Arsenal is the biggest club in England. I cannot wait to show the love that I’ve got for this badge. I cannot wait to win trophies with this team.”
Meslier becomes the first senior signing of the summer for the Premier League champions, though Ecuador defender Piero Hincapie has made his loan from Bayer Leverkusen permanent for £34.5m. With the first group of players due back for pre-season training soon, activity is expected to accelerate as sporting director Andrea Berta looks to make the most of a reported £250m transfer budget.
The Gunners know they cannot afford to stand still as domestic rivals Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool start afresh under new managers, and Manchester United build on progress under Michael Carrick. Guimaraes's arrival would give Mikel Arteta a formidable midfield option, but Arsenal must first convince Newcastle to sell — a task that proved possible when Tonali left for Spurs.