Arsenal are on the verge of completing one of the biggest transfers of the summer after reaching an agreement in principle with Newcastle United for Bruno Guimaraes.
According to L’Equipe, the Premier League champions have finally met Newcastle’s valuation after several rounds of negotiations, paving the way for the Brazil international to move to the Emirates Stadium.
The breakthrough comes after Arsenal saw opening offers worth around £60 million and £70 million rejected by Newcastle.
The Gunners have now returned with a proposal worth £78 million plus bonuses, a package that is understood to have convinced the Magpies to sanction the sale of their captain.
The remaining discussions are expected to focus on the final bonus structure and agent fees before the transfer is formally completed.
Personal terms are not expected to delay the move.
Guimaraes is understood to have agreed the framework of a contract running until 2031 several weeks ago, leaving the two clubs to negotiate the transfer fee.
Arsenal have admired the midfielder for a number of years and identified him as one of their leading targets after lifting the Premier League title last season.
The 28-year-old would add further quality, leadership and top-level experience to a midfield already featuring Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi.
Sporting director Andrea Berta has focused on recruiting players capable of making an immediate impact, and Guimaraes has consistently ranked among Arsenal’s priority midfield options throughout the transfer window.
The move would also represent another significant setback for Newcastle during a turbulent summer.
The Magpies have already seen Anthony Gordon join Barcelona and Sandro Tonali complete a move to Tottenham Hotspur, while Eddie Howe’s departure has ushered in a new era at St James’ Park.
Newcastle have responded by signing highly rated midfielder Aladji Bamba from Monaco, with the teenager viewed as one of the club’s long-term investments.
Even so, Guimaraes’ departure would leave a sizeable void after the Brazilian established himself as one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders and an influential captain on Tyneside.
For Arsenal, landing Guimaraes would underline the club’s determination to strengthen from a position of success rather than stand still.
Arteta has repeatedly stressed the importance of improving a title-winning squad, and Guimaraes is regarded as a player capable of raising Arsenal’s level in both the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.
If the remaining details are finalised in the coming days, Arsenal could soon complete one of the marquee signings of the 2026 summer transfer window.