Arsenal have sealed a deal for Newcastle United star Bruno Guimarães, worth around £80m in total.
ESPN Brazil report that the Gunners finalised a deal for the 28-year-old late on Friday evening to bring an end to their summer-long pursuit.
Arsenal deal closing in
Sport Witness covered a report on Friday, from L’Equipe, stating that Arsenal had struck a €90m plus bonuses agreement with Newcastle for the Brazilian midfielder.
ESPN Brazil now corroborate that information. According to their information, Arsenal ‘seals the deal’ for Bruno Guimarães in a deal that could reach ‘up to £80m’.
They state that Arsenal have agreed to pay a fixed fee or £70m, plus an addition £10m in performance-related add-ons. He is now expected to sign a long-term contract with the Gunners in London this weekend.
A deal was made possible as the midfielder had made it clear that he wanted to join the Premier League champions.
Newcastle promises
The Magpies had also promised him that they would facilitate transfer following their failure to qualify for the Champions League last season. They have now honoured both agreements by agreeing to the deal with Arsenal.
He will become the latest high-profile departure from St James Park this summer. Anthony Gordon started the exodues with his departure for Barcelona. Sandro Tonali then joined Tottenham and now Bruno Guimarães is set to move to Arsenal.
Eddie Howe has also departed as manager, with Matthias Jaissle set to replace him at St James Park. The report from L’Equipe had indicated that his exit is also closely tied to Guimarães’ move to the Emirates.
The Brazilian midfielder is believed to have been close to the manager and posted his affection on social media for his former not long after his departure. Ties between his departure and an imminent move to Arsenal will surely be made.
For now, the focus is on signing his contract and finally completing his protracted move to the Emirates.
Sportwitness
Football transfer news from the across the world.