Arsenal are expected to be busy in the transfer market this summer as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his squad as the Gunners' pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes takes a twist
09:06, 14 Jul 2026
Bruno Guimares
Bruno Guimaraes is pursuing a move to Arsenal
The summer transfer window is simmering for Arsenal as rumours of a colossal signing continue to mount. Mikel Arteta's maiden Premier League title is predicted to herald a significant nine-figure acquisition, although the identity of that star remains undisclosed at present.
Discussions surrounding such a deal will become more straightforward once the 2026 World Cup concludes. As it stands, however, many of those linked with transfers to the Emirates are still competing in North America.
That will all conclude after this weekend, which should trigger a surge in activity for the Gunners. Here, the Daily Star Sport dissects the latest gossip surrounding Arsenal this week as supporters eagerly await some major moves.
Arsenal baulk at Bruno price tag
Bruno Guimaraes
Bruno Guimaraes' price tag appears to be higher than Arsenal thought(Image: Getty )
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One individual who may not be heading to the Emirates this summer is Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes. Arteta's team are reported to have already had an offer for the Brazilian turned down this summer and were taken aback by the potential cost of the midfielder.
The Telegraph reported Arsenal are re-evaluating their approach after initially being led to believe Guimaraes would only command a £50million fee. The Premier League champions were informed by intermediaries in touch with former co-owner Amanda Staveley that a deal could be struck for the Magpies' skipper, but negotiations haven't been as straightforward as they anticipated.
Arteta continues to admire the Brazil midfielder and is keen to bring him into his squad. Guimaraes, 28, still has two years remaining on his Newcastle deal plus an optional additional year, meaning the Magpies face no pressing requirement to entertain offers.
Arsenal's strongest bid for Guimaraes so far has reportedly been valued at approximately £60m. Nevertheless, Newcastle are demanding considerably more and insist the sum must be paid in full upfront, without any performance-related additions.
After Sandro Tonali's £100m transfer to Tottenham earlier this summer, it's understood the Magpies are seeking a comparable amount for their skipper. Such a fee could prove far beyond Arsenal's budget after being given reason to believe a deal worth half that sum might previously have been achievable.
Julian Alvarez update
Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid celebrates scoring his team's fifth goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Atletico de Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur
Julian Alvarez could be blocked from joining Barcelona(Image: Getty)
More encouraging developments for Arsenal come via reports indicating Atletico Madrid are determined to send Julian Alvarez to any destination except Barcelona. This desperation to strike an agreement with non-Catalan clubs could swing matters in the Gunners' favour.
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Arsenal have allegedly shifted their focus to the Argentina striker after growing frustrated with their chase for PSG's Bradley Barcola. Alvarez, 26, has made his desire to depart Atletico this summer abundantly clear but is believed to harbour ambitions of joining Barcelona at the Camp Nou.
The only snag is that Atleti are reportedly insistent they won't sell to a direct competitor, least of all the reigning champions of La Liga. And Fabrizio Romano has suggested this could pave the way for Arsenal, although his reported £130m price tag could still pose a challenge.
Moreover, TEAMtalk report that Atletico have informed Alvarez's representatives they're willing to greenlight a move to north London. Barcelona remain his first choice, but that dream appears unlikely to be realised.