Arsenal is in active transfer negotiations with Newcastle United over the signing of Bruno Guimarães, the Brazilian midfielder who has captained Newcastle and become one of the Premier League’s most influential central players.

Newcastle rejected Arsenal’s opening bid of around £70 million, with the club valuing Guimarães at approximately £80 million.

Where things stand right now

Arsenal reportedly has a five-year contract agreed in principle with the 28-year-old, meaning the player himself is ready to make the move. The holdup is entirely between the boardrooms.

Newcastle’s rejection of the initial £70 million offer came on August 3, but the two sides have kept communication channels open since. The talks are described as advanced and ongoing.

Guimarães reported to Newcastle’s pre-season training camp in Spain while the negotiations play out around him.

Guimarães and what he brings

Bruno Guimarães joined Newcastle from Lyon in January 2022 and quickly established himself as the heartbeat of Eddie Howe’s midfield. His combination of press resistance, progressive passing, and defensive work rate made him one of the first names on Newcastle’s team sheet.

At 28, he’s at an age where clubs typically get peak performance with several elite seasons remaining on the contract. Newcastle’s £80 million valuation reflects that they are potentially parting with their best player at his peak.

For Arsenal, Guimarães would slot into a midfield that manager Mikel Arteta has rebuilt almost entirely during his tenure. His skill set, particularly his ability to control tempo and break defensive lines with through balls, addresses a specific tactical need that Arsenal has been trying to fill.