Arsenal plot official bid for Bruno Guimaraes despite Newcastle insistence star is not for sale | OneFootball

Arsenal are prepared to make a formal bid for Bruno Guimaraes despite Newcastle United's insistence that the midfielder is not for sale.

Arsenal have had a verbal offer of around £55m rejected, a proposal that was submitted through intermediaries. Despite Newcastle's stance that Guimaraes is not for sale this summer, thePremier League champions are prepared to test their resolve with an official bid.

Mikel Arteta wants to bring in a central midfielder this summer and Guimaraes is a top target, amid a lengthy shortlist of potential options.

The Brazil international has been recognised as one of the Premier League's best number eights since arriving at St James' Park from Lyon in 2022, and has been a player of long-standing interest to Arsenal.

Guimaraes scored nine goals and added five assists in thePremier League last season, earning Newcastle's Player of the Season award. The club captain is understood to be settled in the North East, though the club's absence of European football has cast some doubt on his future.

According toBen Jacobs, Arsenal are assessing a range of midfielders. Guimaraes's Newcastle teammate, Sandro Tonali, remains on the radar, though Tottenham are pushing hard to sign the Italian. Spurs have had two bids rejected for Tonali, who is valued at £100m.

Arsenal are also monitoring Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi, with the latter having impressed at this summer's World Cup. There is rival competition from the Premier League for both players.

The Gunners have tracked Mateus Fernandes, of West Ham, though both Tottenham and Manchester United are 'more advanced' in pursuing the 21-year-old. West Ham want £85m for Fernandes, who impressed last season despite the club's relegation from the Premier League.