Manchester United have received a massive boost in their pursuit of Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes.
Arsenal are heavily interested in signing Guimaraes and have already seen a verbal offer worth £55 million swiftly rejected by the Magpies.
Newcastle consider their skipper untouchable, but could sanction his exit for a fee similar to the £100m Tottenham Hotspur paid for Sandro Tonali earlier this month.
According to The Telegraph, the Gunners are reportedly considering ending their pursuit of Guimaraes after discovering the Brazilian would cost significantly more than they had initially expected.
The 28-year-old has already expressed his desire to leave the Magpies for Arsenal, but could now find himself in an awkward position.
United have already signed Andrey Santos from Chelsea in a £50m deal.
The Athletic dropped a bombshell earlier today by revealing that United are ready to trigger a £35m release clause to sign Aston Villa star Youri Tielemans.
INEOS have made it abundantly clear that proven Premier League experience is now a central pillar of their recruitment strategy.
That approach has already delivered success through the signings of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, and the club are eager to replicate it in midfield.
Signing Santos, Tielemans and Guimaraes in one window could be transformational for the Red Devils.
With Santos and Tielemans expected to cost a combined £85 million, United would still have the financial flexibility to pursue one genuine marquee signing.
Guimaraes would provide far more than technical quality, bringing leadership, personality and the winning mentality required to elevate the dressing room.
If Arsenal are beginning to step away from the deal, United must seize the initiative and blow their rivals away with a statement bid.
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