Arsenal have agreed a five-year contract with Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes ahead of a potential transfer this summer, according to L'Equipe.
The Gunners have had a relatively quiet transfer window so far, agreeing a deal for Leandro Trossard to leave for Besiktas, while free agent goalkeeper Illan Meslier has joined to allow youngster Tommy Setford to depart on loan.
But Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his Premier League-winning squad with a big-money move for Brazil international Guimaraes, and they are now closing in on getting their man.
Arsenal Agree 5-Year Deal With Guimaraes
Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes smiles as he walks into St James' Parkvia Reuters
Guimaraes, who has been described as 'world-class', has already told Newcastle bosses that he wants to leave St James' Park to join the Premier League champions after they made it evident they didn't want to sell him.
The Gunners had submitted a verbal offer worth around £55m, which was immediately rejected, and are now expected to return with a fresh bid in the coming days.
However, it has now been revealed that the Brazil international has already agreed personal terms on a five-year deal with the north London side, pushing him closer to an eventual exit from the Toon.
It's understood that Newcastle are demanding a fee of around €90m (£77m) to let him leave, and they are adamant they will not drop those demands despite his wishes to depart, having already sold key players.
Part of the reason for the demand is the fact that his former club Lyon also have a 20% sell-on clause included in the deal that was agreed back in 2022. Lyon are paying close attention to the situation as a result, while Bruno is ready to make the switch.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Arsenal Closing In on Major Deal
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta looks on ahead of Champions League final vs Paris St Germain
A large reason for Arsenal and Arteta's success last season was the incredible depth they have throughout their squad. Central midfield was arguably one area where they were a little bit light, which saw Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi stretched.
But by adding Guimaraes to the squad they are not only addressing that issue and adding more depth, but they're arguably upgrading with his skillset and qualities.
It won't be cheap, but they will have known that when they entered the race for his signature. Now, it seems that a deal is closer to being done than not.
Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes celebrates on stage at Town Moor after the Carabao Cup win Related
Arsenal 'Very Close' to Signing 'One of the Best Midfielders in the World'
Arsenal are preparing their final offer for Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, believed to be in the region of £72 million.