Arsenal have added an exciting name to their transfer shortlist for this summer.
According to The Daily Mail, Arsenal have identified Bruno Guimaraes as one of their targets and have held talks with his representatives.
Newcastle United are braced for an approach from the Gunners for their club captain.
Guimaraes has not indicated any desire to leave Newcastle but could be on the move with several elite clubs looking to bolster their midfield.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is eager to add another proven midfielder as he looks to build a squad capable of defending the Premier League title.
The head coach wants more quality, depth and experience in the centre of the pitch.
Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Mikel Merino are four senior midfield options.
Rice and Zubimendi formed a solid partnership but the Spanish international struggled in the final few weeks of the season.
Arteta eventually turned to academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly for additional energy and balance.
The teenager responded brilliantly and showcased remarkable maturity in an unfamiliar midfield role.
Norgaard is widely expected to leave after spending only one season at the Emirates Stadium.
Signing Guimaraes would be a major statement of intent from the Gunners.
It would demonstrate that the club are determined to remain at the summit of English football.
He possesses the intelligence to control matches from deep while also having the creativity to unlock stubborn defences.
His ability to dictate the tempo and deliver line-breaking passes makes him a dream fit for the Gunners.
Guimaraes will turn 29 in November and is approaching what should be the peak years of his career.
Arsenal could offer him the opportunity to spend those years competing for the biggest trophies in Europe.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com