Arsenal’s Bruno Guimaraes pursuit derailed by unexpected Newcastle rejection

Arsenal have suffered a major setback in their attempt to sign Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes after the Magpies rejected a fourth formal offer for the Brazil international on Monday.

The latest bid was turned down despite reports last week suggesting the two clubs were close to reaching an agreement worth €93m for the 28-year-old. The development leaves Arsenal facing renewed uncertainty over a deal they had hoped to complete quickly before the start of the new season.

The Chronicle, which regularly covers Newcastle United, reported the latest details. Its account contradicts earlier reports from prominent British media outlets, including BBC Sport and The Times, which had indicated that an agreement between the clubs was very close.

Newcastle reject a succession of offers

Arsenal have made sustained efforts to bring Guimaraes to north London, with the player understood to be keen to leave Newcastle United and join the London club.

Newcastle have now rejected several proposals from Arsenal for their influential midfielder. The club initially turned down an offer worth €64m, before refusing a second bid of €75m. A third proposal, valued at €85m, was also rejected.

The latest refusal represents a significant blow to Arsenal’s hopes of securing one of their principal transfer targets. The club had been attempting to strengthen its midfield and complete the move as soon as possible ahead of the new campaign.

Reports published last Friday by several leading British outlets, including BBC Sport and The Times, suggested that the transfer was close to being agreed at €93m. That figure was the amount Newcastle had reportedly wanted to receive from the outset.

At that stage, the move appeared to be progressing positively. Guimaraes, formerly of Olympique Lyonnais, had reportedly agreed to a five-year contract with Arsenal. His acceptance of those terms was viewed as an important step towards completing the transfer.

The same reports also said the Brazil international was expected to travel to London soon for a routine medical. His anticipated arrival was seen as further evidence that the deal was approaching its final stages and could soon be officially announced.

Fourth bid rejected

However, The Chronicle reported on Monday that Newcastle had rejected another formal offer from Arsenal for Guimaraes. The report did not disclose the specific value of the fourth bid.

The latest development has therefore overturned the expectation that the clubs were close to an agreement. Arsenal had been hoping to resolve the transfer promptly, particularly with the new season approaching and the need to reinforce their midfield.

Newcastle’s decision also means the proposed €93m agreement reported on Friday has not materialised, despite the previous belief that the fee matched the club’s valuation of the player. For now, Guimaraes remains a Newcastle United player, while Arsenal’s pursuit has been complicated by the club’s latest refusal.