Arsenal are poised to hold more direct negotiations with Newcastle United for midfielder Bruno Guimaraes next week, according to reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Gunners have had a quiet summer transfer window thus far. They have made a solitary outfield signing in Christos Tzolis aside from a permanent deal for Piero Hincapie.
The club are expected to secure multiple high-profile signings, and Romano reports that the Gunners will return to the table next week for Guimaraes with ‘direct negotiations’ with Newcastle.
The Brazil international has already agreed personal terms with the Premier League holders, and he is viewed as the ‘perfect midfielder’ for manager Mikel Arteta this summer.
Romano said on his YouTube channel: “Arsenal are expected to return to the table next week for Bruno Guimaraes. Mikel Arteta considers Bruno a top priority. So Arsenal are expected to be back in direct negotiations with Newcastle.
“It is going to be an important week of new contacts. The player has already agreed personal terms with Arsenal. He is viewed as the perfect midfielder for Mikel Arteta; Arsenal are not giving up.”
Arsenal remain optimistic on landing Guimaraes
The Gunners have been hot on the trail of the 28-year-old over the last few weeks. They have already failed with two bids worth £55 million and £65 million for the Brazilian.
The club are poised to make a renewed offer worth £70m for the Magpies captain. That is also likely to be rejected, but they refuse to give up on landing the versatile midfielder.
There is optimism that the Magpies may eventually give in and accept his departure. A package between £80-85m could be sufficient to prise Guimaraes away in the near future.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe’s comments yesterday also suggest that the midfielder could leave.
The 48-year-old refused to rule out Guimaraes’ exit and acknowledged that he is not part of the conversations regarding the Brazilian’s future at the Tyneside outfit.