Arsenal are weighing up whether to make an improved offer for Bruno Guimaraes after Newcastle United rebuffed their initial £55 million approach. Mikel Arteta has instructed his bosses at the Emirates Stadium to sign a top-class midfielder this summer ahead of Arsenal’s title defence.
Newcastle reject initial bid
The Gunners made a verbal offer for the Brazil World Cup star last week, but Newcastle insisted Guimaraes is not for sale. According to The Athletic, Arsenal are considering an improved bid and entering direct talks with their Premier League rivals. Personal terms are not expected to be an issue, suggesting Guimaraes is open to joining the new Premier League champions.
Guimaraes’ Newcastle career
Guimaraes has been a mainstay since his £40 million move from Lyon in 2022, making close to 200 appearances. The 28-year-old, currently at the World Cup with Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil, has won the Carabao Cup and played in the Champions League at St James’ Park. However, he may have loftier ambitions after Newcastle finished 12th in the Premier League and failed to qualify for European competition.
John Barnes’ view
Former Newcastle winger John Barnes believes Guimaraes would be a ‘great signing’ for Arsenal but will cost more than £55 million. ‘Players are going to come and players are going to go, that’s modern football,’ he told Betfred. ‘However, £55m is a very low fee in my opinion and if he was to move there, then he’d be a great signing for Arsenal and it would be a great disappointment for Newcastle. It would be a shame for him to leave because he’s very good, but it would be a great move for Arsenal.’
Arsenal have also been linked with Guimaraes’ Newcastle teammate Sandro Tonali but are not currently pursuing the Italy international.
