Arsenal are reportedly closing in on Bruno Guimaraes after opening talks with Newcastle. Here’s why the Brazilian could be Mikel Arteta’s most important signing this summer.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes appears to be gathering pace, with reports suggesting the Premier League champions are edging closer to an agreement with Newcastle United for the Brazilian midfielder.
The Gunners are believed to have already seen a £70 million bid rejected but are preparing an improved offer as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen the heart of his midfield ahead of the new season.
According to reports, talks between the two clubs have intensified, with Guimaraes now waiting for permission to undergo a medical should an agreement be reached.
🚨 Arsenal nearing total agreement with Newcastle United to sign Bruno Guimaraes. Desire among all parties to bring situation to close + deal now on course for completion – 28yo awaiting #NUFC permission to undergo medical & seal #AFC switch @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/FA65Uh0Nfr
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 4, 2026
Rather than matching Chelsea’s British-record move for Morgan Rogers, the North London club have identified Guimaraes as the player capable of taking their midfield to another level.
The 28-year-old has developed into one of the Premier League’s most complete midfielders since joining Newcastle from Lyon in 2022. Last season he produced nine goals and eight assists across all competitions while once again demonstrating his ability to dictate games, recover possession and drive his team forward. His leadership qualities also saw him captain Newcastle during the campaign.
Newcastle, however, are reluctant to lose another key player after last summer’s Alexander Isak saga. The club are reportedly eager to avoid another drawn-out transfer battle, having witnessed Isak force through a late move to Liverpool after refusing to participate in pre-season preparations. That experience has left Newcastle determined to resolve Guimaraes’ future quickly if a suitable offer arrives.
Although Guimaraes has returned to Newcastle’s pre-season camp following Brazil’s World Cup campaign, there is still uncertainty surrounding his future. Former manager Eddie Howe had previously admitted concerns about keeping hold of the midfielder, and Arsenal now appear ready to test the Magpies’ resolve with an improved proposal.
For Arsenal, signing Guimaraes would represent more than just adding another quality player. It would be a statement that the club intends to defend its Premier League crown aggressively rather than standing still.
Arteta has already made it clear that Arsenal remain “very active” in the transfer market and wants greater competition throughout the squad.
Guimaraes Agrees To Join Arsenal
Following recent transfer reports, Newcastle have now agreed to sell Guimaraes to Arsenal in a deal worth £75 million.
The Magpies have agreed a £75 million deal with the Premier League champions for their captain, who has also been granted permission to travel for his medical. Guimaraes informed Newcastle earlier this summer that he wanted to join Arsenal if the right offer arrived, and after an opening bid was rejected, the two clubs have now reached an agreement.
🚨🔴⚪️ BREAKING: Bruno Guimarães to Arsenal, HERE WE GO! 🇧🇷
Agreement in place with Newcastle after long talks and personal terms in place with Bruno since July. Fee worth £75m.
New midfielder for Mikel Arteta. 🔜 pic.twitter.com/bC8q2Wv8S6
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 5, 2026
