Arsenal fans have been given an important and telling update on their club's reported bid to land a standout Premier League star this summer. The Gunners are hoping to sign an elite-level number eight to further upgrade their midfield having seen the middle of the park found out against PSG in last season's Champions League final.
Mikel Arteta does have options in the middle, but he wants his midfield to be more dominant, and to achieve that, he and recruitment chief Andrea Berta want a top-level hybrid midfielder who can defend against the best and also carry the ball forward with confidence.
Reports suggest Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes is the desired target, but while there are reports of bids, the Gunners seem to be playing a more clever game, or at least they think they are.
Arsenal playing the agents game in attempted Bruno Guimaraes signing
Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes celebrates vs Crystal Palacevia Reuters
According to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, Arsenal are working the back-channels in their bid to sign Guimaraes, and it is not going down well with the Brazilian's current club, Newcastle.
"Newcastle aren't going to win the Premier League. He wants to win titles. He wants to have the opportunity to do that. But Arsenal need to come to the table and show Newcastle the colour of their money," said Downie.
"There are various reports out there saying Arsenal have made bids to Newcastle via intermediaries or middle-men. But as we sit here this morning, Arsenal have not contacted Newcastle. As I understand it, Newcastle have actually reached out to Arsenal and said, 'Look, are you serious about this? Are you trying to sign this player because we've had nothing from you?'
"It's all playing out with agents and I think it's frustrating for Newcastle because without doubt it's unsettling the player, hence why he has said he would like to explore his options elsewhere."
The clock is ticking for Arsenal
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe looks on
Arsenal are going to have to make their move soon if they want Newcastle to remain willing to do a deal, and their offer is going to be the most defining part of any talks. Newcastle have already sold Sandro Tonali and Antony Gordan this summer, so they can sit back and command a big fee, even if Guimaraes wanting to leave does hurt their negotiation power a little.
Reports suggest Arsenal will offer around £70million, while Newcastle want more than £80million, perhaps as high as £85million. Guimaraes has proven himself a dominant and consistent Premier League midfielder, and the Magpies are not likely to do their rivals any favours when it comes to selling him.
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