Arsenal are now closing in on a £75m agreement to sign Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes, according to TEAMtalk sources, although the Magpies continue to downplay the chances of a move happening.
After a slow start to the transfer window, Arsenal club chiefs appear to have sprung into life in recent weeks, with deals for Illan Meslier and Christos Tzolis already completed.
The Gunners had been hoping to land Morgan Rogers too after he returned from representing England at the 2026 World Cup, but Chelsea swooped in and hijacked any move after agreeing a £117m fee with Aston Villa for the attacker.
Not only are the north Londoners currently eyeing up an audacious move for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior as they look to take the next step and win the Champions League next term, as well as retaining their Premier League title, but they also want Guimaraes to strengthen their midfield options.
Mikel Arteta is a huge fan of the 28-year-old and is one of the driving forces behind the potential transfer, as he looks to increase the quality and depth of his central midfield heading into the 2026-27 campaign.
While Guimaraes has told Newcastle he would like to join Arsenal before the September 1 deadline, an agreement on a fee could be more difficult to find given the Magpies have no intention of losing such a key player.
Arsenal Closing in on £75m Guimaraes Agreement
Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes smiles as he walks into St James' Parkvia Reuters
Even though the Newcastle sources who TEAMtalk have spoken to continue to downplay the fact that a deal to take Guimaraes to London is close, the outlet also claims that separate sources say an agreement is in sight over a £75m deal for the Brazilian.
The midfielder has made it clear that after four-and-a-half years at St James' Park, he would like to explore a move to the Premier League champions, after the Magpies missed out on European football altogether for next season.
Arsenal are said to be intensifying their efforts to sign the South American, with negotiations between the two clubs intensifying and gathering momentum in recent days, with a £75m agreement moving closer.
However, Newcastle still have no interest in sanctioning a sale and, even if they did, they would want in excess of £100m for their captain.
Bruno Guimaraes 'Delighted' After Latest Update
Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes celebrating
Premier League - Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - September 1, 2024 Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes reacts Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
via Reuters
The same report says that Guimaraes is 'delighted' after the latest developments in talks, as he hopes to get ready to leave St James' Park after Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon already left the club this summer.
While Newcastle and Eddie Howe love the Brazilian and would prefer him to stay, it is thought that a substantial offer from Arsenal, coupled with the player's desire to leave, could force them to make a U-turn on their not-for-sale stance.
Now, the Gunners are working hard and confident that they will find common ground with their Premier League rivals over a deal, with discussions over the structure of a potential £75m deal ongoing, including the payment terms.
If Arsenal manage to land Guimaraes and a big-name winger like Vini Jr ahead of the new season, they will be in a very strong position.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!