Arsenal close in on Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes deal

Arsenal are close to reaching a full agreement with Newcastle United to sign Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes during the current summer transfer window, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

Newcastle value Guimaraes at more than £80m, but all parties are keen to reach a successful conclusion and significant progress has been made in negotiations.

The 28-year-old is currently with Newcastle at their pre-season training camp in La Manga, Spain. He is waiting for permission to undergo a medical before completing a move to Emirates Stadium.

Guimaraes still has a contract with Newcastle United until the summer of 2028, but he is now close to leaving after telling the club’s management that he wants to join Arsenal.

The Brazilian is one of Arsenal’s principal targets this summer as manager Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his midfield before the start of the new season. His potential arrival comes as Christian Nørgaard moves closer to leaving Arsenal, with the club having reached an agreement with Everton over his transfer and the player given permission to complete a medical.

Direct negotiations between Arsenal and Newcastle began earlier this week. Arsenal’s initial verbal offer was rejected, but Newcastle are now expecting an improved proposal and there is growing optimism that the deal can be completed in the coming days.

Guimaraes joined Newcastle from Olympique Lyonnais in January 2022 and quickly established himself as one of the team’s most important players. He has also become a popular figure among the club’s supporters and has worn the captain’s armband.

He has made 153 Premier League appearances for Newcastle United, scoring 30 goals and providing 26 assists. The midfielder also played a key part in the club’s triumph in the English League Cup in 2025.

Newcastle have already agreed to sell Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon this summer. The possible departure of Guimaraes would therefore represent another significant blow for the club, particularly given his importance to the team and his standing with the supporters.

However, Newcastle’s hierarchy may regard the current opportunity to sell the player for a substantial fee as the best chance to secure the highest possible return, with Guimaraes approaching the later stages of his peak footballing years.

Guimaraes also represented Brazil at the 2026 World Cup. His experience at international level and in the Premier League has made him an attractive option for Arsenal, who are seeking greater strength and depth in midfield.

The proposed transfer remains subject to the two clubs completing their negotiations, with Newcastle waiting for Arsenal to improve their opening offer. Despite that initial setback, talks have advanced and there is increasing confidence that an agreement could be finalised shortly.