Bruno Guimaraes has informed Newcastle United that he wants to leave the club, with Arsenal pressing hard to secure his signature this summer.
The Brazilian midfielder has been a key target for Mikel Arteta throughout the transfer window, and the situation now appears to be reaching a critical point.
Arsenal made a verbal offer of around £55 million last month, which Newcastle rejected, but the Gunners have since indicated a willingness to go up to £60 million for the World Cup star.
Newcastle have been determined to keep Guimaraes, having already parted with Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £69.3 million and Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur for £100 million.
Losing another influential figure would be a significant blow for Eddie Howe’s side, who are reluctant to dismantle their squad any further this summer.
Guimaraes was originally linked with Arsenal before he joined Newcastle from Olympique Lyon in January 2022, so this potential transfer has a familiar ring to it.
In four years at St. James’ Park, the Brazilian became a club icon, helping Newcastle win the League Cup and qualify for the Champions League twice following his arrival.
Despite that legacy, Guimaraes has now made his desire to leave clear, according to The Athletic, putting Newcastle in a difficult position heading deeper into the window.
There was a time when Guimaraes spoke passionately about his future at the club, saying: “This is my second home. We are making history. Some day, when I leave this club, I want the fans to sing my name the way they do to (Alan) Shearer.”
The 2026 World Cup has only elevated his profile further, with the midfielder contributing four assists in five appearances for Brazil before their round of 16 exit to Norway under Carlo Ancelotti.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is working alongside Arteta to push the deal through, with both men convinced Guimaraes is the right addition to the squad.
The club see him as a player capable of operating alongside Declan Rice or rotating into the role as needed, providing vital cover and competition in central midfield.
Rice has been carrying a neural hamstring injury throughout the World Cup, managing to feature for England despite the pain, which has increased Arsenal’s urgency to strengthen that area.
The England international made 55 appearances for Arsenal last season, missing just two Premier League matches and two Champions League fixtures, underlining the enormous demands placed on him.
With Guimaraes now openly pushing for the exit door and Arsenal’s offer rising, a deal between the two clubs could materialise sooner than Newcastle would like.
