Arsenal are eager to enact a deal for Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, although sporting director Andrea Berta isn't rushing in his pursuit of the player, according to David Ornstein.
The Gunners are yet to get going in the transfer market this summer, with their only activity so far being to convert Piero Hincapie's loan into a permanent deal. That said, a move for Leeds goalkeeper Ilian Meslier is said to be imminent, although this prospective deal isn't likely to move the needle for Mikel Arteta's side.
Reports emerged on Wednesday suggesting that Guimaraes has informed Newcastle that he wants to join Arsenal, and that the Gunners are in talks with the Magpies regarding the Brazilian's situation.
Newcastle are understood to be holding out for upwards of £90 million, which may be beyond where Arsenal are willing to go.
David Ornstein: Arsenal Won't Rush Bruno Guimaraes Deal
Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes celebrates vs Crystal Palacevia Reuters
Guimaraes' participation in the World Cup was brought to an end on Sunday when Brazil were unexpectedly knocked out of the competition by Norway at the Round of 16 stage.
Since then, speculation around the 28-year-old's future at St. James' Park has been rife. Arsenal are intent on bringing the playmaker to the Emirates, and some reports indicate that Berta has already tabled two offers.
While this would suggest that the Italian football administrator is aggressively pushing forward with his transfer plans, reputable journalist Ornstein has revealed that this is not the case.
The Athletic's transfer guru believes that while Arsenal want Guimaraes, they are relaxed about the saga.
"I think there's a feeling around the Emirates and Arsenal that that's a deal that they would like to make happen," Ornstein said on The Athletic FC podcast.
"Newcastle's stance to this point has been that he's not for sale, we're not entertaining any offers, so there's a lot that needs to be done at Arsenal, but I don't sense they're rushing.
"They feel they've got time because they've already built the foundations, and then it will be about trying to get the right players for the right prices. From what we hear, Andrea Berta is very strong on that, not overpaying for players and spinning multiple plates and deciding which ones are the right sort of avenues to pursue."
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Arsenal Also Want a Marquee Winger Signing this Summer
Morgan RogersCaean Couto (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
While a marquee midfielder is on Arsenal's radar, one of their other primary objectives of this window is to land a superstar winger who can play off the left.
Bukayo Saka has dominated the right wing for the Gunners for some time now, without ever having a player of similar calibre on the other side. Berta and Arteta are eager to change that this summer.
Morgan Rogers is the priority target, although there are some question marks around whether the England international is capable of operating out wide, as well as concerns over Aston Villa's price demands.
If a deal for Rogers fails, then the Gunners are likely to pivot to Bradley Barcola. The Frenchman is willing to leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer, and a deal in the region of £100 million could be on the cards.