Arsenal set to step up Bruno Guimaraes pursuit as Newcastle expect bid for star | OneFootball

Midfielder has become MIkel Arteta’s transfer priority after Morgan Rogers deal

The Gunners have admired the 28-year-old for several years, stretching back even before he moved to Tyneside from Lyon in January 2022.

Having missed out on Morgan Rogers, who was the north Londoners’ top target for this summer, the club’s focus has now shifted to Guimaraes.

Standard Sport understands that official talks between Arsenal and Newcastle have not yet taken place.

Newcastle sources are adamant that their Premier League rivals have not yet approached them to make an offer for Guimaraes.

The Magpies also insist they will not be pushed into selling their skipper and remain determined to keep hold of him.

However, Arsenal are now expected to accelerate their interest in Guimaraes and push to bring him to north London.

Mikel Arteta’s side have held talks with the midfielder’s representatives in recent weeks and received encouragement that a move could be possible this summer.

In demand: Bruno Guimaraes

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The Gunners indicated they would be open to bidding in the region of £60million for the midfielder.

That was passed on to Newcastle, who swiftly dismissed that informal proposal.

It is believed that it would take a fee significantly in excess of that for Eddie Howe’s side to reconsider their stance.

Guimaraes has not yet returned to his club for pre-season, having been given time off after his involvement at the World Cup with Brazil.

How hard, or if at all, he pushes for a transfer is likely to be a key factor in how protracted a saga this becomes.

Having already sold Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon this summer, Newcastle are desperate to not lose another star player.

Wanting a move: Bruno Guimaraes

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Arsenal are looking to strengthen in midfield, with Arteta keen to add a player who can come straight into the side.

Declan Rice's fitness will need to be managed when he reports for pre-season after three weeks off, having been managing neural pain in his hamstring for six months.

Arsenal enquired about Ayyoub Bouaddi earlier in the summer, while they have also registered their interest in Alex Scott.

He has turned down contract offers from Bournemouth and talks have come to a halt over a new deal, but the Cherries want him remain at the club next season even if an extension is not agreed.