Bruno Guimarães tells Newcastle he wants Arsenal move as champions prepare improved bid after £55m rejection | OneFootball

Bruno Guimaraes has told Newcastle United that he wants to leave the club to join Arsenal.

Arsenal had a verbal offer of around £55million for the midfielder rejected earlier in the transfer window, with Newcastle insistent that the club captain is not for sale.

ThePremier League champions are prepared to table an improved proposal for the 28-year-old, who has now informed Newcastle of his wish to leave St James' Park.

The Athletic are reporting that Guimaraes has told the Magpies he wants to move to North London, following Newcastle's failure to secure European football for next season.

Guimaraes' stance is a major blow to Eddie Howe, who has already seen Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali leave this summer. Newcastle's position is strengthened following those sales, having recouped around £169m for the duo.

Guimaraes has two years to run on his contract at Newcastle and has been an integral part of the club's recent success. He captained Newcastle to Carabao Cup success in 2025, ending a 70-year wait for a major trophy, and has twice helped the Magpies to Champions League qualification.

This summer, he was part of the Brazil side that reached the World Cup's last-16 and provided four assists in five games.

He has regularly discussed his happiness in the North East, but the lure of Arsenal has persuaded Guimaraes to request an exit.

No club-to-club talks have taken place but Arsenal are now expected to formalise their initial interest with an offer.

Mikel Arteta is keen to bring in Guimaraes and Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers, as the champions look to improve with the addition of provenPremier League performers.

Since arriving from Lyon in a £40m deal, Guimaraes has made 195 appearances in four-and-a-half seasons at Newcastle and was named the club's Player of the Season in 2025.