Arsenal close in on deal for Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães | OneFootball

Arsenal are edging closer to a deal with Newcastle United for the sale of midfielder Bruno Guimarães.

The Gunners saw an initial bid rejected for the Brazilian midfielder on Monday, but optimism remains over the transfer being completed, following reports from The Athletic earlier today.

Guimarães expressed his desire to leave Newcastle in July, and more recently has been the subject of countless reports suggesting that a deal had been agreed and medical booked.

However, despite Arsenal’s continued interest, those rumours were proven to be false, with the Brazilian reporting to Newcastle’s pre-season training camp in La Manga, Spain.

Finally, however, following weeks of informal talks via intermediaries, the Premier League champions made contact with Newcastle on Monday as they look to strengthen their midfield.

Despite the rejected offer that followed, this long and drawn-out transfer saga would now appear to be nearing a conclusion.

The 28-year-old has two years remaining on his contract at St. James’ Park, which will allow Newcastle to maximise his value.

However, the likely departure of Guimarães will leave a gaping hole in the Magpies’ squad.

They have already sold Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali for big fees. However, their combined departures have left Newcastle with a lack of experience.

Newcastle’s transfer policy this so far this summer has seen them acquire five new players, all of whom, are under 25-years-old.

The new talents of Sean Steur, Bazoumana Touré and Aladji Bamba are indeed exciting. Nevertheless, their collective youth creates uncertainty over how effective they will be in their first season in the Premier League.

The Magpies’ recruitment team have also brought in two goalkeepers this summer. Ewen Jaouen was signed early in the window, with Lukas Horníček arriving from SC Braga on Monday. Horníček is likely to be the club’s new number one.

This casts doubt over the future of Nick Pope, who has attracted interest from several clubs.

Pope’s departure would, along with Gordon’s, Tonali’s and Guimarães’, signal the end of an era at Newcastle. The team that saw the club end the long wait for a major trophy is quickly being dismantled.

Eddie Howe’s resignation was shocking, but perhaps not surprising, following last season’s 12th place finish and another summer of change.

Howe’s legacy at Newcastle is undeniable. Under Matthias Jaissle though, the Magpies are starting a new chapter. First on the agenda will undoubtedly be replacing Guimarães with someone of comparable quality and experience.