Arsenal are closing in on one of the summer’s most significant transfers after Bruno Guimaraes completed his medical ahead of a £75million move from Newcastle United.
Football.london understands the Brazilian playmaker underwent his medical at the Emirates Stadium, paving the way for the deal to be finalised imminently.
The signing represents a major statement of intent from Arsenal as they look to defend their Premier League title and push further in the Champions League this season.
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer believes the transfer will help form one of the division’s most formidable engine rooms alongside Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice.
“Arsenal are signing a top-quality player in Bruno,” Shearer told Betfair. “There’s no doubt about that. They’re signing a player who’s so comfortable on the ball under pressure, who can make that killer pass.”
Shearer added: “He’s got a great attitude. We’ve seen that at Newcastle. So, there’s no doubt he’ll improve them. I think with the likes of Ødegaard, Rice and Bruno, there won’t be many better midfields than those three.”
Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori also offered a glimpse into the dressing room’s excitement, saying: “We are on that level now. We are on top. We want to win the league again and we want to be even better than last season if we can. We need these kind of players, I think.”
However, the Gunners have suffered a significant blow in their pursuit of a world-class left-winger after Vinicius Junior signed a new contract with Real Madrid.
The 26-year-old Brazilian committed himself to the club until 2032, ending Arsenal’s hopes of landing one of the game’s most electrifying attackers this summer.
Vinicius made his feelings abundantly clear with a short statement to his followers, writing: “Eight years at the Bernabeu are so short…six more years and FOREVER, Real Madrid.”
Real Madrid confirmed the deal in an official statement, saying: “Real Madrid CF and Vinicius Jr. have agreed to extend the contract of our player, who is now tied to the club until June 30, 2032.”
The club’s statement also highlighted his remarkable record, noting he has played 375 matches, scoring 128 goals and winning 14 titles during his time in the Spanish capital.
Jose Mourinho played a key personal role in convincing Vinicius to stay, with Fabrizio Romano reporting the Real Madrid manager pushed hard for the winger to remain at the Bernabeu.
A well-placed Arsenal source, HandOfArsenal, claimed the Gunners had offered Vinicius one of the “biggest packages in the history of the PL” in their attempts to lure him to north London.
With the Vinicius door firmly closed, Arsenal could reignite interest in Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, who is also attracting attention from Liverpool, with a price tag of around £137million being discussed.
Christos Tzolis, who impressed against Girona in pre-season before also showing danger in the 3-1 defeat to Real Betis, could now be handed a bigger role on Arsenal’s left wing under Mikel Arteta.
Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz has also been mentioned as an alternative target, though football.london understands the Turin club knocked back an earlier enquiry from Arsenal for the Turkish international.
Arsenal scouts were also present to watch 20-year-old Brazilian forward Kaua Elias score a perfect hat-trick for Shakhtar Donetsk in a 5-1 win against Kudrivka, with the striker valued at around £30million.
Mikel Arteta also paid a warm tribute to Christian Norgaard following his move to Everton, saying: “I am very thankful for what he brought to the club and how he helped us to win. It is a message of admiration and love.”
