Gunners step up pursuit of Magpies midfield core! Guimarães transfer fee negotiations key to breakthrough

It is understood that Arsenal have learned that Bruno Guimarães himself holds strong interest in joining the Premier League defending champions and have therefore decided to intensify their efforts. However, reaching an agreement with Newcastle on a transfer fee remains the biggest obstacle in front of them. The Magpies are reluctant to let go of the 28-year-old Brazil international, but internal sources reveal the club has been clearly informed that Guimarães is eager to move to the Premier League title-winning side. Arsenal have been monitoring Guimarães' situation through third-party channels for a long time and plan to table an offer of around £60 million ($80 million), but Newcastle have explicitly stated they will not open negotiations at that price. Eddie Howe's team is well aware that after Sandro Tonali's move to Tottenham for a maximum of £100 million ($134 million), losing both Guimarães and Tonali in the same transfer window would trigger a chain reaction — Anthony Gordon had already departed for Barcelona for £69.3 million ($92.8 million). Newcastle have been trying to sign Guimarães to a new contract, but with his current deal running until 2028 and containing a one-year club option, they hold considerable leverage in negotiations. As of now, Arsenal have not yet engaged in direct talks with Newcastle, and it remains to be seen whether Guimarães will push for a departure or whether Newcastle will soften their current hardline stance. Guimarães has been named in Brazil's national team squad but suffered a surprise defeat to Norway in the World Cup round of 16. Since joining Newcastle from Lyon in January 2022, he has made a total of 153 Premier League appearances for the club.