Arsenal are poised to table a £70million bid for Newcastle skipper Bruno Guimaraes, with the 28-year-old Brazilian midfielder understood to be keen for a move to the Premier League title holders.
The Gunners have identified Guimaraes as a key summer target, and discussions surrounding a potential transfer are said to have gathered pace over recent days.
Newcastle are aware that their captain favours a switch to north London this summer.
Agreeing personal terms with the player is not expected to present an obstacle, though whether Arsenal’s proposed £70m offer meets the Magpies’ asking price remains uncertain.
Those close to Newcastle maintain the club have no plans to part with Guimaraes during this transfer window and insist that Arsenal have yet to make any formal approach for the player.
The Gunners have set a firm ceiling on what they are prepared to pay for the midfielder.
Despite their strong desire to bring Guimaraes to the Emirates, Arsenal are expected not to stretch beyond their maximum valuation.
The position was demonstrated clearly in Arsenal’s pursuit of Morgan Rogers.
Arsenal are set to make an offer for Bruno Guimaraes
| PA
The Gunners were keen on signing the Aston Villa man but refused to exceed their own £80m assessment of his worth.
Chelsea ultimately secured Rogers in a £117m deal, making him the most expensive British player ever.
It is understood that Arsenal were offered the chance to match that figure but turned it down.
Arsenal remain committed to bolstering their squad with elite talent, but only at prices they consider justifiable.
The Gunners are keen to bring in the midfielder
| GETTY
Beyond the midfield, Aston Villa’s England international Ezri Konsa tops Arsenal’s defensive wishlist, with the club having already enquired about his availability.
William Saliba looks set to be out for a lengthy period, with Konsa a ready-made replacement to challenge for the position.
Como’s Jacobo Ramon also features on their shortlist of potential centre-back additions, although contractual clauses in the Spaniard’s deal are understood to complicate any move.
Ezri Konsa has also been linked with a move to north London
| GETTY
In attack, Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez is Arsenal’s ideal forward signing, but significant hurdles exist.
The Argentine currently prefers a move to Barcelona, and his price tag could surpass the £125m British record set by Alexander Isak’s transfer from Newcastle to Liverpool.
The Gunners have additionally explored the possibility of recruiting PSG winger Bradley Barcola.
