Arsenal have stepped up their pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes by opening direct negotiations with Newcastle as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his Premier League-winning squad before the new season.
The Gunners have identified the Brazil international as one of their leading midfield targets and are now in formal discussions with Newcastle after initial contact was handled through intermediaries.
According to The Sun, Guimaraes is eager to complete a move to the Emirates and has informed Newcastle that he would welcome the opportunity to join the reigning Premier League champions.
Until now, Arsenal’s interest had been communicated indirectly, with Newcastle consistently insisting the midfielder was not available for transfer.
Arsenal are said to have indicated they would be prepared to pay around £60million for the 28-year-old, but Newcastle remain reluctant to sanction a sale at that price.
The Magpies are standing firm in the hope of securing a significantly higher fee should they eventually agree to part with one of their most influential players.
The renewed push for Guimaraes comes after Arsenal missed out on Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers.
Arsenal have stepped up their pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes by opening direct negotiations with Newcastle as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his Premier League-winning squad before the new season
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The north London club had been in discussions over a deal since the end of last season but were unwilling to match Villa’s valuation.
Chelsea subsequently met the reported £117m asking price, allowing the Blues to win the race for one of England’s brightest attacking talents.
That setback has forced Arsenal to explore alternative options as they seek further reinforcements ahead of another campaign in which they will be expected to challenge on multiple fronts.
Mikel Arteta is determined to bolster Arsenal’s midfield this summer
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Strengthening midfield remains a priority, while Arteta is also keen to add greater depth in the wide attacking positions.
Mateus Fernandes was among the players considered by Arsenal during the transfer window.
However, West Ham’s £85m valuation proved too expensive, with the Gunners ultimately deciding not to pursue a deal.
Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott has also featured on Arsenal’s shortlist after another impressive Premier League campaign.
The England Under-21 international recently rejected a new contract offer from the Cherries, fuelling speculation over his long-term future.
Arsenal recently missed out on Morgan Rogers to Chelsea
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Despite that development, Bournemouth remain determined to keep Scott and are continuing to resist interest from several of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.
Arsenal have, however, made progress elsewhere in the market.
The club have agreed a deal worth around £34million to sign Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis, with the Greece international expected to become Arteta’s latest summer addition.
Tzolis, who previously spent time at Norwich City, is already in London and is due to undergo a medical before the transfer is officially completed.
