Arsenal have reportedly taken a significant step towards signing Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes after reaching an agreement with the Brazilian over a five-year contract.
The Premier League champions are understood to have made the 28-year-old one of their priority midfield targets this summer as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen an already formidable squad.
According to reports, Guimaraes has agreed personal terms with Arsenal and is keen to complete a move to the Emirates Stadium.
The midfielder is also said to have informed Newcastle of his desire to join the Gunners, with the prospect of competing for major honours and returning to the Champions League believed to have influenced his decision.
However, Arsenal still face work to do before completing the transfer.
Reports claim the Gunners submitted an opening offer worth €70 million, but Newcastle rejected the proposal as negotiations continue.
The Magpies are believed to value Guimaraes closer to €90 million despite the midfielder entering the final two years of his current contract.
Arsenal are expected to return with an improved offer as they attempt to bridge the gap between the two clubs.
Guimaraes remains one of Newcastle’s most influential players after joining from Lyon in January 2022.
Since arriving at St James’ Park, he has established himself as one of the Premier League’s leading midfielders through his technical quality, defensive work and leadership.
He also enjoyed another productive international tournament with Brazil despite their surprise World Cup last-16 exit to Norway.
The midfielder registered four assists during the competition, although he endured the disappointment of missing a penalty in the shootout defeat that ended Brazil’s campaign.
Arsenal’s interest is understandable given Guimaraes’ profile.
Arteta has consistently sought midfielders capable of controlling possession, winning duels and contributing in both penalty areas, qualities Guimaraes has displayed throughout his time in England.
The Brazilian would also provide further competition alongside Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Christian Norgaard as Arsenal prepare to defend their Premier League crown while challenging in Europe.
The transfer could also benefit Guimaraes’ former club.
Lyon inserted a sell-on clause when they sold the midfielder to Newcastle in 2022 and would receive a percentage of any profit should a deal be completed this summer.
For now, negotiations remain ongoing between Arsenal and Newcastle.
While reports suggest Guimaraes has already committed his future to the Gunners, Arsenal must still agree a transfer fee before one of the summer’s biggest Premier League moves can become official.