Arsenal agree personal terms with Bruno Guimaraes as £100m Newcastle deal edges closer

Arsenal have agreed personal terms with Bruno Guimaraes on a five-year deal, L’Equipe reports, bringing the Gunners closer to signing the Newcastle captain in what would be a transfer worth in excess of £100 million.

The 28-year-old Brazilian has reportedly signalled his desire to leave St James’ Park and join the Premier League champions, but Newcastle are resisting any move and have already rejected an opening offer. Should they ultimately sanction his departure, they are expected to demand a fee north of £100 million.

Guimaraes has been a defining figure at Newcastle since arriving in January 2022, making 195 appearances and scoring 31 goals. He captained the side to their first domestic trophy in 70 years when Newcastle lifted the Carabao Cup two seasons ago. His former club Lyon also stand to receive a financial windfall from any sale, having inserted a sell-on clause when he left for Tyneside.

Arsena manager Mikel Arteta has spoken openly about his ambitions to push the club further following their Premier League title win. Despite already having Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, and Martin Zubimendi available in central midfield, Arteta is still pursuing Guimaraes as a priority addition.

The potential move comes amid a turbulent summer for Newcastle. The club sold Alexander Isak to Liverpool for a British record fee on deadline day last season, and this window has already seen Anthony Gordon join Barcelona and Sandro Tonali depart for Tottenham — a combined outlay that has recouped roughly £170 million. While that reduces any financial pressure to sell, the steady stream of high-profile exits has raised concerns among supporters about the club’s direction.

Losing Guimaraes, widely regarded as Newcastle’s most influential player, would represent the most significant departure yet and deepen anxiety over the club’s ambitions heading into next season.