By Adegboyega Adeleye
Premier League champions Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes, with reports indicating growing confidence that a deal could be completed in the coming days.
According to BBC Sport, there is increasing expectation that the Brazil midfielder will complete a move to the Emirates this summer after making it clear he wants to join Mikel Arteta’s side.
The Gunners have tracked the 28-year-old throughout the transfer window and are said to be preparing an improved offer after an initial £70 million bid failed to convince Newcastle.
Reports suggest Arsenal are aiming to strike a deal worth up to £80 million, although no fresh proposal has yet been submitted and formal club-to-club negotiations are yet to begin.
Guimaraes, who joined Newcastle from Lyon in January 2022, has scored 31 goals in 195 appearances for the Magpies and established himself as one of the Premier League’s leading midfielders. He has also earned 48 caps for Brazil, scoring three international goals.
The reported breakthrough comes at a turbulent time for Newcastle, who are preparing for life after manager Eddie Howe, who stepped down on Thursday after five years in charge.
The Magpies have also seen key players leave this summer, with Sandro Tonali joining Tottenham Hotspur and Anthony Gordon completing a move to Barcelona.
BBC Sport reports that Arsenal’s pursuit of Guimaraes is unrelated to Howe’s departure, with the north London club having identified the Brazilian as a priority target after missing out on Morgan Rogers, who instead joined Chelsea.
Guimaraes is expected to return to Newcastle training in the coming days as speculation over his future continues, with Arsenal hopeful of reaching an agreement before the transfer window closes.
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