The Athletic has reported that Newcastle United have agreed to sell Bruno Guimaraes for a fee of around £75m to Arsenal, and that he has been sanctioned to undergo a medical.
The move brings to an end a protracted saga that has dragged on for the best part of two months, with Arsenal’s interest hardening after Guimaraes made it clear to Newcastle he wanted to test himself elsewhere.
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David Ornstein reports:
“Newcastle United have sanctioned the sale of Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal in a deal worth £75million ($100.95m; €87.48m).
“Arsenal started negotiations at a significantly lower fee, while Newcastle wanted a larger figure – but the clubs have reached a compromise during talks to allow the 28-year-old to seal his desired move to north London.”
“Guimaraes’ former club Lyon are entitled to 20 per cent of Newcastle’s profit on the midfielder, and will earn £7-8m from the deal.”
The saga was complicated further by Eddie Howe’s shock resignation last week, with the Magpies moving quickly to appoint Matthias Jaissle as his successor.
Guimaraes is set to sign a five-year deal at the Emirates Stadium this summer.
It was reported earlier in the window that Liverpool had made an enquiry for the player, but it appears that Arsenal are now set to sign the Brazilian.
Since joining Newcastle from Lyon in January 2022, Guimaraes has become the heartbeat of Eddie Howe’s side, making over 150 appearances in all competitions and regularly chipping in with goals from midfield. Newcastle’s project was originally built around him.
Newcastle have already strengthened their midfield with the arrivals of 18-year-old Sean Steur from Ajax, in a deal worth around €25m, and 20-year-old Aladji Bamba from Monaco, in a transfer that could rise to €40m.
It appears they were braced for an exit for the Brazilian and have already done their work to replace him.