Bruno Guimaraes' agents are believed to have given Arsenal reason for optimism that the Newcastle United captain is ready to leave St James' Park. The Toon skipper headed off to the World Cup without having agreed a new contract, though he still has two years remaining on his current deal. However, Express Sport understands that the Gunners have registered their interest, with Mikel Arteta's side reportedly told that a bid exceeding £60million could be sufficient to secure the South American midfielder.
That said, no formal contact, approach or offer has yet been made. For now, Newcastle have no immediate question to answer. Yet the Arsenal interest is there, according to sources in the capital. A report in The Athletic suggests that Bruno has told Newcastle of his desire to join Arsenal. However, the Magpies' response is clear. They have maintained a consistent stance throughout the summer, making it clear they absolutely do not plan to sell their skipper.
Newcastle are under no obligation to offload the 28-year-old and believe the two years remaining on his contract offer them adequate protection.
Bruno's agency has declined to comment on the matter, though it draws comparisons with last summer's protracted transfer saga involving Alexander Isak and Liverpool, which ultimately concluded with his £125m departure.
The Telegraph add that Newcastle will demand £100m for Guimaraes, after selling Sandro Tonali to Tottenham for a similar fee this week.
It's claimed that Guimaraes is extremely emotional after Brazil's early World Cup exit but there is no chance the Magpies will sell for £60m, which is the fee Arsenal would prefer to pay.
It is believed that Bruno harbours concerns over Newcastle's sporting ambitions following the club's failure to qualify for Europe and the sales of key figures such as Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon.
Arsenal are yet to submit a formal offer, and no release clause exists to activate, but a figure of approximately £60m has been considered a sum that could prove decisive in securing the Brazil international.
Insiders at Arsenal have indicated that a firm bid may materialise later in the transfer window, with Newcastle's hierarchy conscious that a repeat of the Isak scenario remains a very real threat.