Arsenal remain interested in Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes despite seeing an initial approach knocked back, while the overall cost of a deal for Sandro Tonali is understood to have cooled their interest.
The Gunners are continuing to assess midfield options this summer as Andrea Berta and Mikel Arteta look to strengthen a squad preparing to defend the Premier League title.
Bruno remains one of Arsenal’s leading targets after the club made contact through intermediaries to gauge whether Newcastle would consider a sale.
However, Newcastle’s response has been consistent throughout the process.
The Magpies have made it clear that their captain is not for sale and have yet to receive an official club-to-club bid from Arsenal.
Reports of an initial proposal worth less than £60 million were swiftly dismissed by Newcastle, who are determined to keep hold of one of Eddie Howe’s most influential players.
The Tyneside club are also understood to be working on an improved long-term contract in an effort to ward off growing interest in the Brazil international.
While Bruno remains firmly on Arsenal’s radar, a move for his Newcastle team-mate Tonali has become increasingly unlikely.
The Italy international was offered to Arsenal through his representatives earlier this month, but the financial package required to complete a deal is viewed as excessive.
Alongside a transfer fee expected to exceed £100 million, Tonali’s reported wage demands and significant agency costs have left Arsenal reluctant to pursue negotiations further.
The Gunners are instead continuing to monitor developments surrounding Guimaraes while considering alternative midfield targets should Newcastle maintain their firm stance.
Arsenal are understood to admire the Brazilian’s leadership qualities, Premier League experience and ability to dictate matches from midfield.
Arteta has long valued Guimaraes’ profile, believing he possesses the technical quality and competitive mentality to thrive in Arsenal’s system.
Whether that admiration can develop into a formal transfer remains uncertain.
Newcastle’s position has not softened despite continued speculation surrounding the midfielder’s future.
With Bruno still under contract and regarded as a cornerstone of Howe’s squad, the Magpies remain confident they can resist interest unless their stance changes later in the window.
For Arsenal, the situation appears to be one requiring patience.
The Premier League champions remain interested, but with Tonali’s financial demands proving difficult to justify and Newcastle refusing to entertain offers for Guimaraes, any breakthrough is likely to depend on circumstances changing rather than immediate negotiations.