Guimaraes Pushes for Newcastle Exit as Arsenal Step Up Midfield Pursuit

Bruno Guimaraes has asked to leave Newcastle United, with Arsenal stepping up their efforts to sign the Brazilian midfielder as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his squad ahead of the new Premier League season.

The 28-year-old has been on Arsenal’s radar throughout the summer transfer window. The north London club had been weighing up moves for either Guimaraes or his former Newcastle teammate Sandro Tonali. However, Tottenham secured Tonali’s signature in a deal worth an initial £92.5 million, leaving Guimaraes as Arsenal’s primary midfield target.

During preliminary discussions to understand the financial framework of a potential transfer, Guimaraes’ representatives were reportedly informed that a deal could initially be valued at around £60 million. Although Newcastle have yet to receive a formal approach from Arsenal, the Gunners are now expected to return with a fresh offer.

Guimaraes’ latest international appearance came in Brazil’s World Cup last-16 defeat to Norway on Sunday, where he missed a penalty as his side crashed out of the tournament.

Despite the growing interest, Newcastle remain determined to keep hold of their captain, who has become one of the club’s most influential players since arriving from Lyon in 2022. The Magpies have already sanctioned the departures of Tonali and Anthony Gordon during the current transfer window and are reluctant to lose another key figure.

The transfer market has seen several high-profile midfield deals this summer. Manchester City agreed a club-record £116 million move with Nottingham Forest for England international Elliot Anderson, while Tottenham also strengthened their midfield by signing Mateus Fernandes from West Ham for £85 million.

Arsenal are understood to be targeting only one marquee central midfielder before the window closes. Alongside Guimaraes, Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi remain under consideration as alternative options.

Guimaraes’ age is expected to play a significant role in Arsenal’s valuation. The Brazilian turns 29 in November, a factor that could influence how much the club is ultimately prepared to invest.

Any arrival in central midfield is likely to trigger an exit from Arsenal’s current squad. Denmark international Christian Norgaard, 32, is among the players the club would consider selling if the right offer arrives. A new signing could also reshape the midfield hierarchy, raising fresh questions over Martin Zubimendi’s status as a regular starter under Arteta next season.