Arsenal have launched a £55m move to sign Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, with Fabrizio Romano revealing the latest on the situation overnight.
Arsenal's big focus so far in the summer transfer window has been looking at strengthening their frontline, with the club expected to make a formal move for Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers soon.
The Gunners are also in ongoing talks with Leicester City over a deal to sign 16-year-old attacking sensation Jeremy Monga, who looks set to leave the King Power Stadium following the Foxes' relegation to League One.
It appears as though the north London outfit will sign a new central midfielder for next season too, with links to the likes of Bournemouth's Alex Scott, AS Roma's Manu Kone, Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi and Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali in recent weeks.
It is actually Tonali's Magpies teammate that Arsenal have made an approach for though, as they look to add more quality and depth to their engine room in their bid to successfully defend their Premier League title and go one step further in the Champions League.
Craig Hope broke the story first on Thursday evening, with Romano now providing more details on the move.
Romano: Arsenal Make Direct Bruno Guimaraes Approach
Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes smiles as he walks into St James' Parkvia Reuters
Arsenal making contact to sign Bruno Guimaraes came out of nowhere on Thursday night after no recent links, with Tonali the Newcastle player mentioned more alongside a move to the Emirates in recent months.
The Magpies are looking to prevent an exodus of players this summer, with Tonali a top target for Tottenham Hotspur, and Anthony Gordon already leaving to join Barcelona.
Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento have also been linked with moves away from St James' Park.
Speaking on his YouTube channel overnight on Thursday, Romano revealed what he knows about Arsenal's approach for the Brazilian.
He said: "I can confirm the information going around England, reported by Craig Hope about Newcastle, about Arsenal's interest in Bruno Guimaraes.
"It's true that Arsenal made an approach for Bruno Guimaraes. It was a direct approach on player side and club side with Newcastle, so Arsenal have reached out for Bruno Guimaraes. My understanding is that their intention was to try to approach for a deal around £55m, but Newcastle are not selling the player for that fee.
"Newcastle closed the doors to this approach from Arsenal. Now we will see if Arsenal return, if there is anything moving at the moment. Bruno Guimaraes is leaving everything in the hands of Newcastle, and he is respecting Newcastle."
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Bruno Guimaraes Would be a Great Arsenal Signing
Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes celebrates vs Crystal Palacevia Reuters
Bruno Guimaraes has massive Premier League experience, is a leader and always gives his all on the pitch.
It's no wonder why Arteta looks to have a keen interest in the Brazil international, who is one of the biggest characters in the Premier League.
The 28-year-old has even been labelled as 'one of the best midfielders in the world' by Gunners forward Gabriel Martinelli, who knows him well from playing alongside him in the national team.
£55m would have been a great fee to land Guimaraes for, but it appears as though it will take a lot more to convince Newcastle to sell their captain and one of their biggest prize assets.