Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes after accelerating their pursuit of the Brazil international.
The Sun reports that the Premier League champions are advancing towards an agreement worth more than £70 million, with personal terms not expected to present any difficulties as the midfielder is keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Should the deal be completed, it would represent one of the biggest transfers of the summer and another major statement of intent from Mikel Arteta’s side.
Arsenal have admired Guimaraes for several years and now appear closer than ever to finally securing his signature.
The Gunners see the 28-year-old as an ideal addition to a midfield that was heavily relied upon during last season’s title-winning campaign.
Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi both logged significant minutes across domestic and European competitions, prompting Arsenal to prioritise another elite midfielder capable of maintaining the team’s level throughout a demanding season.
Arteta also made it clear earlier this week that Arsenal’s transfer business is far from complete.
“We want to take this club to a different level,” the Arsenal manager said from the club’s pre-season camp in Spain. “That is going to require a better squad and better individuals.”
Guimaraes fits that description.
The Brazilian has developed into one of the Premier League’s outstanding midfielders since joining Newcastle from Lyon, combining defensive intensity with progressive passing and leadership qualities that eventually earned him the captain’s armband.
Former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe repeatedly highlighted the midfielder’s importance to the team, previously describing Guimaraes as “world-class” and praising both his quality on the ball and his influence off it.
Those qualities have made him one of Europe’s most coveted midfielders.
For Newcastle, the timing could hardly be worse.
The Magpies are already navigating a period of major upheaval following Anthony Gordon’s move to Barcelona, Sandro Tonali’s transfer to Tottenham Hotspur and Eddie Howe’s imminent departure after five years in charge.
Losing their captain would represent another significant setback as Matthias Jaissle prepares to take over at St James’ Park.
From Arsenal’s perspective, however, the deal would further strengthen a squad already determined to defend the Premier League title and compete for the UEFA Champions League.
Andrea Berta has focused on adding proven quality rather than simply increasing numbers this summer, and Guimaraes is viewed internally as a player capable of making an immediate impact.
If negotiations continue at their current pace, Arsenal could soon complete one of the marquee signings of the transfer window.