Arsenal's pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes is still rumbling on
Mikel Arteta and Bruno Guimaraes
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has opened up on his club's transfer business as they continue to be linked with a move for Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes.
The Brazilian has been a target for the Gunners all summer, although there has been no official club-to-club contact or official bids put in for the United midfielder.
That could all be about to change, amid reports of ongoing talks between intermediaries behind the scenes, and Arteta admits that they are hoping to move on a couple of targets 'very soon' after identifying the players they want.
That is likely to include Guimaraes, while his Brazil teammate Vinicius Jr is also someone the Premier League champions are keen to sign, although the winger may stay at Real Madrid despite the offer.
“A lot is happening," Arteta said in an interview with the club’s official media. "We all know about the context of this transfer window.
“From ownership to the board, the sporting director and myself, we know that we want to take this club to a different level. That is going to require a better squad, better individuals.
“We have identified where we have opportunities to grow and to improve and to evolve our game and what is going to be needed to achieve that.
“Hopefully very soon we can start to put things in a very concrete way.”
Newcastle United owners PIF, meanwhile, have not intervened in the transfer saga - despite claims of high-level talks. Chronicle Live understands that the club's Saudi backers have not waded in, and suggestions of talks above boardroom level with super agent Kia Joorabchian have not taken place.
Arsenal have made two new signings so far this summer. Goalkeeper Illan Meslier has arrived on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract with Leeds United, while Christos Tzolis has been signed on a permanent deal from Club Brugge after a £34million fee was agreed between the two clubs.
Arsenal have been in the market for new forward options and were linked with a move for Morgan Rogers before the England international left Aston Villa to complete a £117million switch to Chelsea. Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola and Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi have also been linked.
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