Arsenal are having one of the most active days of their summer transfer window, with two major Brazilian targets dominating the headlines on Monday.
Bruno Guimaraes has submitted a formal transfer request to Newcastle United at the club’s La Manga training camp in Spain, according to The Sun.
The 28-year-old midfielder is keen on joining Arsenal and has made his intentions crystal clear to the Newcastle board at their pre-season base.
Arsenal have already seen their opening bid for Guimaraes rejected by Newcastle, though the exact figure of that offer has not been officially disclosed.
ESPN journalist Bruno Andrade reported on Monday that the two clubs have since reached an agreement, with Andrade saying: “Bruno Guimaraes is a done deal for Arsenal. The fee is £80m – £70m guaranteed and £10m in add-ons. Only the final, routine details remain before the negotiation is fully closed.”
Andrade added: “We should see an official announcement from Newcastle or Arsenal in the coming hours. Bruno Guimaraes will be an Arsenal player next season.”
Brazilian journalist Raisa Simplicio also confirmed growing confidence from the player’s camp, writing on X that Guimaraes’ staff are “optimistic that everything will be settled today” in what she described as “decisive hours.”
Jack Wilshere backed the move enthusiastically, telling Sky Sports News: “Bruno is a player that I really enjoy watching. With Mikel’s coaching and how he’ll try and shape the way he plays, plus the quality that he already has, I think it would be a top signing if they managed to get it done.”
Separately, Vinicius Junior’s agency appears to be in London, with Roc Nation president Michael Yormark posting on his Instagram story to reveal he had arrived at London Heathrow Airport.
Yormark is the president of Roc Nation and serves as a representative for Vinicius Jr, who is a top summer target for Mikel Arteta.
Spanish journalist Sergio Valentin has reported that Arteta has already held direct talks with Vinicius Jr, explaining Arsenal’s project and how the Brazilian winger would fit in at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal are reportedly willing to make Vinicius Jr their highest-ever earner at £400,000 per week, with Real Madrid said to want £128 million for the 26-year-old whose contract expires next summer.
Real Madrid did confirm on Monday that Vinicius Jr reported back for pre-season training as planned, with the winger put through his paces at Valdebebas by new manager Jose Mourinho.
Elsewhere, Arsenal have made a £65 million offer to Aston Villa for defender Ezri Konsa, according to Estadio Deportivo, as they look to cover for the injured William Saliba.
Arsenal are also said to be ready to listen to offers for Reiss Nelson, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and Viktor Gyokeres, per The Independent, as Arteta reshapes his squad ahead of the new campaign.
