Arsenal are poised to land the signature of Newcastle United midfielder Bruno for £75 million upfront, according to Chronicle Live.
The Gunners have been locked in negotiations with the Magpies through intermediaries in recent weeks and have eventually found an agreement.
The Magpies were eyeing £80m for the 28-year-old, but have concluded a deal for £75m after prolonged discussions. The Tyneside outfit are guaranteed the full fee with no add-ons.
Meanwhile, Guimaraes recently reported to Newcastle’s training camp in La Manga and made it clear that he wishes to join Mikel Arteta’s side. He is set to depart for London soon.
Arsenal set to end transfer saga with Guimaraes deal
The Gunners have been long-term admirers of the Brazil international. The midfielder was heavily linked with the club during his time at Lyon, only for the Magpies to land his signature in 2022.
Guimaraes has been one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, and last season was one of his best. He notched up nine goals and six assists in the league despite spending two months on the sidelines with a hamstring injury during the second half of the campaign.
In his absence, the Magpies had a notable dip in league form, and they have a challenge on their hands to find a proper replacement, having already sold Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur earlier this summer.
On the other hand, Arsenal are set to make a statement signing. Guimaraes would be a level-raiser for the Gunners with his goal involvements and defensive contributions. He won almost six duels per game last term with two tackles and five recoveries.
He looks the perfect allround midfielder to complement Declan Rice, which Arsenal have lacked in recent years. With Rice managing neural hamstring pain, there could be games next season where Arteta may need to rest him to avoid possible injury.
Guimaraes, described as ‘very special‘ by former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, has the leadership skills, having captained the Magpies and would provide a big presence in the heart of the midfield even when Rice is given a break. The Brazilian star would be a solid partner alongside Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino or Myles Lewis-Skelly too. Christian Norgaard is on his way to Everton.
Stats from Transfermarkt & Sofascore