Mikel Arteta
Arsenal have had a formal offer for Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes rejected, according to journalist Lee Ryder.
The Gunners have been strongly linked with a move to sign the Brazil international in recent weeks, with GIVEMESPORT sources understanding that talks had reached an advanced stage on a deal worth around £80m.
Reports over the weekend suggested that there was a verbal agreement between the clubs, but it has now emerged that the Magpies have in fact rejected the north London club's first formal offer for the midfielder.
Arsenal Bid for Guimaraes Rejected
via Reuters
Newcastle sources have been adamant that there had been no formal contact between the clubs despite all the noise, but it has now emerged that Arsenal have made their move.
It's reported that the offer was worth around £70m, with the club not willing to go much higher. The Telegraph's Luke Edwards has added to Ryder's initial report, stating that talks are expected to continue, and that things are 'finally happening'.
Guimaraes has already made it clear to Newcastle chiefs that he is keen to leave the club and join the Premier League champions, while the Magpies are adamant they won't be selling on the cheap having already sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona and Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur.
The Magpies skipper has now jetted out to Spain to join the club's pre-season camp in La Managa after his World Cup exploits, but is expected to reiterate his desire to leave during talks with the club hierarchy.
Guimaraes to Arsenal Looks Inevitable
via Reuters
The 28-year-old is considered as one of the best central midfielders in the Premier League, and his addition to the Arsenal squad would only serve to make them even stronger after winning the title last season.
Newcastle will not be bullied into a cheap sale, but there is no smoke without fire and it seems inevitable that the player will end up at the Emirates Stadium sooner rather than later.
That's a major blow for incoming Newcastle manager Mathias Jaissle, who is set to replace Eddie Howe after his resignation at St James' Park, and with just three weeks to go before the start of the season.