Arsenal open formal negotiations
Arsenal are in direct talks with Newcastle United to sign captain Bruno Guimaraes, with the clubs now in formal discussions after previous contacts were made through intermediaries, according to BBC Sport. The 28-year-old Brazil midfielder wants to join the Premier League champions, and those involved feel the transfer is moving towards a resolution.[S1]
BBC Sport previously reported that Arsenal would need to increase a £70m bid they made through intermediaries last month. A source at Newcastle has since said the club rejected an offer, although neither side has disclosed the amount. It is expected that Arsenal will return with an improved bid. Guimaraes has been a priority target for Arsenal as the club look to strengthen after winning the Premier League last season.[S1]
Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano said Arsenal and Newcastle had resumed direct discussions with the aim of closing the deal, and personal terms are not expected to be an obstacle. Guimaraes is waiting for the green light to travel for his medical and contract signing once the clubs agree a fee. Arsenal previously saw a £55m bid rejected earlier in the summer and were later reported to be prepared to improve their offer towards £70m.[S3]
Guimaraes joins pre-season camp in La Manga
Guimaraes has travelled to Spain for Newcastle's pre-season training camp in La Manga, as planned, following his post-World Cup break. He posted a picture from the base on social media after linking up with his team-mates, and was not repeating the strike action Alexander Isak took last summer to force a move to Liverpool. He had an extended break after playing for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup, and Newcastle were happy for him to arrive 24 hours later than initially planned.[S1][S5][S6]
The timing of Guimaraes' post is interesting because it has been widely reported that Arsenal's first offer for the Newcastle captain was turned down. There is still a gap in valuations: Arsenal's offer is believed to be around £70m, while Newcastle want £80m for their skipper. Newcastle are not keen to sell another star player after Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali left for Barcelona and Tottenham respectively, with those deals bringing in over £160m before add-ons.[S5]
Guimaraes has established himself as one of the Premier League's most complete midfielders since joining Newcastle from Lyon in 2022, known for his energy, passing range, leadership and consistency. He was Newcastle's top scorer in the league last season with nine goals, and he has been a regular for Brazil. Despite Newcastle's resistance, the midfielder is reportedly very keen on joining the champions, and the club are unlikely to keep him against his will if their valuation is met.[S3][S4][S5]
Arteta: Arsenal are very active and ambitious
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta would not be drawn directly on Guimaraes over the weekend, but said the club were 'very active' and 'very ambitious in what we want to do.' 'We need to increase the competition internally,' he added. 'We need to make sure we identify the things that we don't have in the team.' The Gunners are investing heavily in their squad again this summer, with a new midfielder and left winger their priority signings.[S1][S5]
Newcastle's Saudi-backed ownership view Guimaraes as the linchpin of their sporting project, and selling their captain to a direct domestic rival is practically unpalatable. Analysts anticipate Arsenal will need to push the financial package closer to £85m to force Newcastle's hand. The Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules dictate Newcastle's negotiating stance, since their ability to spend is tied to generated revenue.[S4]
Newcastle finished 12th in the Premier League last season, with Guimaraes providing nine goals and eight assists across all competitions. For Arteta, adding a player of Guimaraes' quality would strengthen the midfield as Arsenal look to defend their first league title in over two decades and push deeper in European competitions. The 28-year-old wants to join the champions, and a deal appears likely to be done.[S1][S3][S5]
