Arsenal are confident of completing a deal to sign Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes before the new season starts, sources have told Football Insider. The Premier League champions have been working intensively on a deal behind the scenes for weeks and further progress has been made in the last few days., with the Gunners' first formal bid of £70million now imminent.
Fabrizio Romano wrote on Thursday evening that the Gunners have already agreed personal terms with Guimaraes, but that Newcastle are still expected to fight to hold onto their captain. In his latest YouTube video, the journalist said: “Arsenal are ready to send a new bid for Bruno Guimaraes. Arsenal have [a] full agreement in place with Bruno Guimaraes on personal terms. “The contract is ready, the contract is done. Bruno said yes to [the] Arsenal project. “Bruno wants to be respectful with Newcastle. He doesn’t want to break the relationship. But Bruno wants to go. He’s made clear to Newcastle that he’s decided to go. “Newcastle maintain that they don’t want to sell the player. It has to be a very good proposal in order to change their mind, otherwise they insist on keeping Bruno.
So far, Arsenal have had bids for the Brazil star worth £55million and £65m rejected by Newcastle. “Arsenal will try again, Arsenal will bid again. The expectation of those taking care of the deal is for Arsenal to present a new bid, after getting £55m plus £10m in add-ons rejected by Newcastle. “Now, Arsenal are expected to get to £70m for Bruno Guimaraes. Still probably not enough to convince Newcastle, but it will be a way to get closer. “Arsenal hope to close the deal at slightly over £70m. Arsenal have no intention to overpay. “Trust me, behind the scenes, Mikel Arteta is pushing like crazy to sign Bruno Guimaraes. Arteta considers Bruno a perfect player for [the] Arsenal midfield.”
Newcastle are expected to reject a £70million bid from Arsenal for Bruno Guimaraes. The Magpies are believed to be demanding at least £80m to entertain serious discussions for Guimaraes, who has not yet returned for pre-season. He was given three weeks off after Brazil's exit from the World Cup, where he started all five of his country's matches. However, we confirmed on July 14 that Newcastle are holding out for closer to £100m before selling their talisman, leaving Arsenal with significant work to do before they can forge an agreement.