Arsenal are moving closer to securing the services of Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes, with reports suggesting that a transfer fee has finally been agreed between the two clubs. The deal for the Brazilian midfielder is expected to be worth up to £80 million.
Guimaraes, who is widely considered one of the Premier League's top midfielders, joined Newcastle’s training camp in La Manga, Spain, on Monday. During the camp, he held discussions with club officials and new head coach Matthias Jaissle, where he reaffirmed his intention to depart the club. He is now awaiting official permission to leave the training base to travel to north London and finalize the formalities of his move to the Emirates Stadium.
Personal terms between the player and Arsenal are understood to have been settled for some time. The club is now preparing for Guimaraes to undergo a medical examination later this week, with hopes of completing the transfer within the next 48 hours. Arsenal targeted the midfielder as they sought to add depth and quality to their squad, specifically to provide cover for and play alongside Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi. The coaching staff identified this need after Rice and Zubimendi were heavily relied upon during a demanding campaign that saw both players participate in over 50 matches last season.
Should the move proceed, Guimaraes will become the third high-profile player to exit Newcastle this summer. The club has already seen Anthony Gordon depart for Barcelona and Sandro Tonali complete a move to Tottenham, following the earlier departure of Alexander Isak to Liverpool last summer.
