Arsenal are hoping to sign Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes this summer, with a possible hint at their confidence in a deal
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta during a training session at Hotel Camiral de Caldes de Malavella.
Mikel Arteta is looking to stregthen his Arsenal squad ahead of the new season. (Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Arsenal have reached an agreement to sell midfielder Christian Norgaard to Everton, in a hint over their confidence in completing a deal for Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian is a key transfer target for Arsenal this summer.
As reported by the Liverpool ECHO, Arsenal have agreed a fee in the region of £7million with Everton over the sale of Norgaard. A medical is due to take place next week, ahead of the move being finalised.
Norgaard only joined Arsenal last summer, but found game time hard to come by at the Emirates Stadium. Last season saw him make just seven appearances in the Premier League, with a further 18 coming in all other competitions.
Despite the lack of game time, selling the midfielder indicates that Arsenal expect more additions in the position, with Guimaraes emerging as a priority addition. Arsenal's interest in the Newcastle midfielder comes at a time of chaos at St James' Park.
It was confirmed this week that Eddie Howe has left his position as Newcastle boss. It was reported that his decision to leave the club was partly due to the possibility of Guimaraes being sold this summer, following the sales of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali.
Incoming boss Matthias Jaissle is expected to hold face-to-face talks with Guimaraes. The chat will see him try to sell his vision and philosophy.
Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes warming up ahead of the Premier League match at Craven Cottage.
Arsenal are closing in on a transfer for Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes(Image: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire.)
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However, it is expected that the two clubs will reach an agreement over a fee in the coming days. The transfer fee is expected to be at least £80million, possibly up to £85million with add-ons.
If an exit for Norgaard, and a transfer for Guimaraes is sealed, then the Brazilian will add to Mikel Arteta's midfield options. Martin Odegaard is club captain and is joined by Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino, with three of the four players still on their extended break following their success in the World Cup.
The talk over Norgaard's future comes after he made a promise last October. Speaking to Danish outlet Bold, he said: "I can guarantee that Arsenal will be my last club abroad.
Christian Norgaard
Christian Norgaard is leaving Arsenal for Everton
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“I still want to return to Brondby when my contract at Arsenal expires. My contract is two years with an option for a further year.
“I would be happy to stay at Arsenal for the extra year if things develop in that direction. If it turns out that it wasn’t the right match, we’ll go home to Denmark after two years.”
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