Arsenal are now looking to press ahead with their efforts to land their primary midfielder target this summer. The Gunners are looking to add to two key positions this summer, and from there, it will be about filling out the squad in the wake of any potential departures.
The left wing and midfield are in need of strengthening, and to be specific, Mikel Arteta wants a number 8 who can dominate defensively and also spark transitions by carrying the ball into the final third.
Those two deals will not come cheap, and Arsenal are well aware of that, especially given they are on the lookout for clear upgrades, which are not easy to find when you have such a strong squad, as Arsenal do.
But there could be a deal to be done for midfielder priority Bruno Guimaraes, and that's despite Newcastle United already losing two key players in Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon this summer.
Arsenal now ready to make Guimaraes push
bruno guimaraes chelsea
Arsenal have been linked with Guimaraes for much of the summer, but reports suggest that have largely been playing the waiting games, holding discussions with representatives but not yet approaching Newcastle.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are now ready to push ahead in a bid to strike a deal, but it will all come down to price.
"Arsenal set for new club to club contacts next week for Bruno Guimarães deal. Personal terms in place and new approach with Newcastle anticipated to proceed + £70m proposal expected to be improved. Deal depends on #NUFC decision on exit/price."
Reports this summer have suggested that Newcastle may hold out for closer to £85million, or at least £80million, and that will give Arsenal a decision to make.
The Gunners need to be careful with their spending, given they know a world-class winger signing is likely to cost them a giant sum, potentially nine figures. Arsenal's off-the-pitch profits mean they do have the space to spend, albeit a couple of sales may be necessary to be on the safe side, but their spending is not going to be in the £250-£300million range, as it has been in the past, so they need to be careful how much they spend on Guimaraes, and how much money they leave for that all-important left-wing signing, which is arguably more important.
Guimaraes an 'exceptional' midfielder
bruno guimaraes
Guimaraes has become one of the most reliable midfielders in the Premier League, and perhaps worldwide, during his time at Newcastle United. Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti said of the midfielder recently: "Bruno is a very important player for us. He has quality, personality and character. He is able to play in different positions and gives us a lot of energy in midfield. He has shown that he can be decisive with the ball, but also works hard without it.”
Eddie Howe added: “Players like Bruno are not around every corner. They are very, very rare. Bruno should be appreciated for everything he brings.” Even Pep Guardiola, after facing the Brazilian, has said in the past: “He is an exceptional holding midfielder. He is aggressive, with the ball or without.”
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The Gunners are hoping to repeat their Aaron Ramsey success with another young Welsh talent