Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United smiles as he arrives at the ground prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Arsenal FC...
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 02: Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United smiles as he arrives at the ground prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Arsenal FC at St James' Park on November 02, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
L’Equipe claims Arsenal have increased their offer to €90 million, with only the final details left to resolve before a deal can be completed.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Newcastle player Bruno Guimaraes clashes with Arsenal player Declan Rice during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal FC at St. James Park on November 04, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Newcastle player Bruno Guimaraes clashes with Arsenal player Declan Rice during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal FC at St. James Park on November 04, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Bruno Guimaraes, with L’Equipe reporting that the Premier League champions have reached an agreement in principle with Newcastle United after increasing their offer to €90 million, around £77 million, excluding bonuses.
According to the French publication, the transfer has entered its final stages after Arsenal raised their bid following the rejection of earlier offers worth €70 million and €80 million.
While some details, including bonuses and agent fees, still need to be finalised, the deal is now reported to be close to completion.
The report adds that Guimaraes agreed personal terms on a contract running until 2031 several weeks ago, with the midfielder having made clear his desire to move to north London.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 10: Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United celebrates victory following the Premier League match between West Ham United FC and Newcastle United FC at London Stadium on March 10, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 10: Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United celebrates victory following the Premier League match between West Ham United FC and Newcastle United FC at London Stadium on March 10, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
The Brazil international is said to have informed Newcastle’s hierarchy and coaching staff that he wanted to leave with two years remaining on his contract, motivated by the opportunity to play Champions League football after Newcastle failed to qualify for the competition.
Newcastle have already taken steps to prepare for his departure by signing Aladji Bamba from Monaco, while the departure of manager Eddie Howe, who enjoyed a close relationship with Guimaraes, is also reported to have played a significant role in opening the door to a transfer.
Speaking before his departure was confirmed, Howe reportedly said, “what will be, will be”, before admitting he had “lost control of transfers”.
Luke Edwards, the Telegraph‘s Newcastle correspondent, also suggested the midfielder’s departure had become inevitable. Edwards wrote: “Howe believed Bruno Guimaraes will be sold this summer.. the final straw”.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 05: Bruno Guimaraes #8 of Brazil controls the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Brazil and Norway at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 05, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 05: Bruno Guimaraes #8 of Brazil controls the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Brazil and Norway at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 05, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
If the remaining details are agreed in the coming days, Arsenal will secure one of their leading midfield targets as Mikel Arteta continues to strengthen the squad following last season’s Premier League title triumph.
The move would also result in Lyon, Guimaraes’ former club, receiving more than €8 million through a sell-on clause, according to L’Equipe.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - APRIL 13: Newcastle United player Bruno Guimaraes sprays his face with water before the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St. James Park on April 13, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - APRIL 13: Newcastle United player Bruno Guimaraes sprays his face with water before the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St. James Park on April 13, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
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