Arsenal
Arsenal’s deal for Bruno Guimarães is gathering a lot of pace. Fresh claims from Brazil confirms the gap between the Gunners and Newcastle United is now much smaller. It is much smaller than it was only a few weeks ago.
Speaking on ESPN Brazil, journalist Bruno Andrade shared the latest information from people involved in the negotiations.
He outlined why there is growing optimism towards a deal. And he also highlighted the likelihood that an agreement can be reached before the weekend is over.
According to Andrade, Arsenal have already improved their original offer and are now edging closer to Newcastle’s asking price.
Improved offer has changed the picture
Bruno Andrade explained that Arsenal’s opening bid of €63.8m (£55m) was rejected. But said the London club have since returned with a package worth €87m (£75m).
The proposal is said to consist of €81.2m (£70m) guaranteed plus another €5.8m (£5m) in bonuses.
Newcastle are still believed to be looking for around €92.8m (£80m). This leaves only a relatively small gap between the two clubs.
“This approximation made all parties more confident,” Andrade said. “It’s very likely the negotiations move in a positive direction this week.”
He also claimed Arsenal are optimistic of completing the transfer before Sunday, suggesting the talks have reached a far more advanced stage than they were at the start of the month.
Bruno Guimarães has communicated his intentions
Andrade also confirmed British claims that Bruno Guimarães has already told Arsenal he is happy to make the move. Furthermore, he has also made Newcastle aware that he wants to take what the journalist described as “a jump within the Premier League.”
At the same time, Andrade stressed the midfielder has not attempted to force an exit. Instead, he has simply communicated his desire to leave. That is, if an agreement can be reached between the clubs.
Right now, Bruno Guimarães is currently in Brazil. He is due to return to England on Friday before reporting back to Newcastle on Monday.
According to Andrade, the hope among those involved in the negotiations is that the move will already be completed by then, meaning the midfielder would not even need to return to Newcastle before joining Arsenal.
Newcastle have reasons to stand firm
When Newcastle signed Bruno Guimarães from Lyon, the French club retained a 20% share of the capital gain from any future sale.
That means Newcastle would not keep the full proceeds of the transfer, making it understandable why they continue to push for a higher fee.
That sell-on clause is another reason why the Magpies are trying to maximise the value of any agreement.
Why Arsenal believe the deal matters
Beyond strengthening Mikel Arteta’s midfield, Andrade said he talked to people inside Arsenal. These people believe the club see this transfer as carrying wider significance.
He described the move as “a matter of honour”, arguing that paying €87m (£75m) for a Brazil international would send a powerful message to the rest of European football.
According to the journalist, Arsenal want to demonstrate that they are capable of competing for the biggest names on the market. Consequently, they are prepared to invest accordingly.
He even linked that thinking to the club’s long-term ambitions, claiming Arsenal dream of signing Vinícius Júnior either now or in a future transfer window.
Whether or not that ever becomes realistic, Andrade’s point was that Arsenal believe major signings help build credibility.
As he put it, “if the club wants to dream big in the transfer market, it first has to show that it has the financial strength and ambition to complete deals of this magnitude”.
That is why, in his view, Arsenal are treating the pursuit of Bruno Guimarães as far more than just another signing. Completing a deal of this size would strengthen the squad. Additionally, it would reinforce the club’s image as one capable of attracting elite talent.
For now, there is still work to do before Bruno Guimarães becomes an Arsenal player. Newcastle have not lowered their demands, and the clubs are yet to reach a full agreement.
The picture emerging from Brazil, however, is that negotiations are moving in the right direction.