Bruno Guimaraes 'agrees' Arsenal deal as Gunners prepare first bid for Newcastle captain | OneFootball

Arsenal are keen to bolster their midfield options with the Brazilian

Bruno Guimaraes may have move one step closer to sealing a move to Arsenal, amid reports of an agreement for a five-year deal.

Standard Sport understands that Arsenal are expected to test Newcastle's resolve with a first official bid for the Brazil international, who has two years left on his contract at St James’ Park.

This comes after reports that Guimaraes has informed the Magpies - who will not be playing in Europe next season - of a desire to leave this summer amid interest from the Premier League champions.

In a fresh twist to what is developing into a the transfer saga of the summer, L’Equipe claim the 28-year-old has agreed terms with Arsenal for a contract that will run until 2031.

Crucially though, the report states there has been no breakthrough between the Gunners and Newcastle over a transfer fee.

However, Arsenal are ‘expected to launch a new bid in the coming days’, but it remains to be seen if they meet Newcastle's apparent valuation of €90 million (£76m), with Lyon closely monitoring developments.

When the Ligue 1 side sold Guimaraes sold to Newcastle in January 2022, they included a 20% sell-on clause in the deal.

Arsenal are preparing talks with Newcastle for Bruno Guimaraes

London Standard

Standard Sport reported in June that Arsenal had held initial talks with Guimaraes’ representatives to gauge his availability and discussions proved positive.

As such, they have now received further encouragement from the player and are expected to begin club-to-club talks with Newcastle with an official offer.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have confirmed the signing of Illan Meslier on a free transfer following the goalkeeper’s release from Leeds.

"I’m extremely happy. It's a great day for me because I have just joined the champions. For me, Arsenal is the biggest club in England,” he said.

“I'm very happy and very proud to join Arsenal. I cannot wait to show the love that I've got for this badge, and I cannot wait to win trophies with this team, becuase this is a club that needs to lift trophies again and again."