Arsenal have identified Bruno Guimaraes as their priority midfield transfer target this summer, with the Newcastle United captain open to making the switch.
The Brazil international delivered consistent performances last season despite Newcastle finishing 12th in the Premier League, underlining his quality even in a struggling side.
Guimaraes added four assists at the World Cup before his penalty miss proved pivotal in Brazil’s last-16 defeat to Norway, bringing his tournament to a disappointing end.
With the World Cup now behind him, the 28-year-old’s focus turns to next season, though Champions League football is understood to be a significant priority for him.
Recent departures of Alexander Isak, Sandro Tonali, and Anthony Gordon have increased the likelihood that Guimaraes will also push for an exit from St James’ Park.
According to The Athletic, Guimaraes has informed Newcastle of his desire to leave and given Arsenal the green light to pursue a deal for him.
Eddie Howe’s side have no desire to sell their captain, though Guimaraes is not expected to force a move in the same manner Isak did when Liverpool came calling last summer.
Arsenal have already spoken directly with Guimaraes’ representatives and agreed personal terms, even though no formal contact has yet been made between the two clubs.
A £60 million bid was floated through intermediaries, but Newcastle firmly declined and have remained adamant that their captain is simply not for sale at that figure.
Newcastle’s asking price is understood to be £100 million, matching what Tottenham paid to sign Sandro Tonali, as reported by talkSPORT, representing a sizeable profit on the £40 million they originally paid.
Former Newcastle co-owner Mehrdad Ghodoussi responded to claims reported by The Telegraph that co-owner Amanda Staveley had told intermediaries the player could be available for just £50 million.
The Telegraph noted that “Staveley categorically denied the conversation took place when approached by Telegraph Sport,” casting doubt on whether any such agreement was ever discussed.
It has already been a difficult summer for Newcastle on multiple fronts, with several transfer deals collapsing at the eleventh hour and key players moving on.
Liverpool moved late to sign Victor Munoz at the start of the World Cup, while World Cup breakout star Johan Manzambi opted to join Aston Villa over Newcastle.
With the club losing out on several top targets and key players departing, it is hard to see how Guimaraes will be convinced to stay given the direction things appear to be heading.
