Arsenal are in advanced talks with Newcastle United over a deal to sign Bruno Guimaraes, according to talkSPORT. The Gunners have made the Brazil international a top target for this window as they look to bolster their midfield following their Premier League title win, and talks have been ongoing behind the scenes for a number of weeks. But with Guimaraes due to report back to training with the Magpies later this week, Arsenal have stepped up their interest in getting a deal done, and talks have progressed in recent days.
The 28-year-old midfielder has already agreed personal terms ahead of a switch to the Emirates Stadium, and now looks set to become the next big departure at St James' Park. Arsenal were initially confident they could get a deal done for around £60m, but it's now believed that talks have progressed and they are edging towards a verbal agreement worth in excess of £75m. Reports suggest Arsenal are set to bid £70m for the Newcastle midfielder, although the Magpies are said to value the 28-year-old at closer to £100m.
The Magpies are ‘bewildered’ with Arsenal’s approach, which allegedly has been played out through agents, no direct offer has been submitted, and there haven’t been any club-to-club talks. Newcastle will reportedly ‘not be bullied’ into lowering their demands, Bruno is not for sale and they will not welcome any offers for him. At present, the Magpies have still yet to receive a formal offer for Bruno from Arsenal with Newcastle making it clear that Mikel Arteta's side will have to meet their asking price.
The central midfielder, who has been described as 'elite', has told Newcastle chiefs that he would like to leave the club to push through a move to the champions, but the Magpies have been adamant that they would not be bullied into selling another star, after Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali both moved on earlier in the window. Bruno still has two years left on his deal at St James’ Park but whether he plays for Newcastle next season remains to be seen.
Howe added: “He’s captain of our club and been an unbelievable player, through the whole time we have worked together. “I speak on behalf of everyone at the club, we absolutely love him and of course everyone would love him to stay. He’s due back on the 31st (July), and there’s nothing to say he won’t be back.”