Arsenal Can Finally Sign Premier League Star Five Years After Initial Move

Arsenal could finally land a player they’ve been courting for more than five years this summer, as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster the squad that delivered the Premier League title to the Emirates Stadium last season.

Reports emerged on Thursday evening indicating that the Gunners have been in contact with Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and the Brazilian’s representatives over a prospective transfer. Fabrizio Romano confirmed on Friday morning that Arsenal have already launched a £55million move for the Magpies’ captain.

While Newcastle are reportedly not keen on selling their talismanic midfielder, the North Londoners may well return with an improved offer.

Arsenal’s priority this summer may be to strengthen in the attacking areas, but sporting director Andrea Berta evidently feels as though an upgrade in midfield is equally as important, with the likes of Alex Scott, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Sandro Tonali also said to be on the Italian’s radar.

Arsenal Considering Bruno Guimaraes deal this summer

A shock transfer report emerged on Friday evening, as Newcastle correspondent Craig Hope revealed that Arsenal are planning an audacious move for Guimaraes.

The journalist claimed that the Gunners have already held talks with the 28-year-old’s camp, with a view to making a move later this summer.

Given that Eddie Howe is already potentially set to lose Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur, it’s no surprise that reports indicate that the north-east outfit are prepared to bat away any offers for Guimaraes.

However, it seems as though Arsenal are indeed willing to try their luck. Speaking on his YouTube channel on Thursday, Romano revealed that he’s aware of the Premier League Champions’ approach for Guimaraes.

“I can confirm the information going around England, reported by Craig Hope about Newcastle, about Arsenal’s interest in Bruno Guimaraes,” the transfer guru said.

“It’s true that Arsenal made an approach for Bruno Guimaraes. It was a direct approach on player side and club side with Newcastle, so Arsenal have reached out for Bruno Guimaraes. My understanding is that their intention was to try to approach for a deal around £55million, but Newcastle are not selling the player for that fee.

“Newcastle closed the doors to this approach from Arsenal. Now we will see if Arsenal return, if there is anything moving at the moment. Bruno Guimaraes is leaving everything in the hands of Newcastle, and he is respecting Newcastle.”

While Romano’s update suggests that Newcastle may be stubborn in their stance regarding Guimaraes, Arsenal won’t give up without trying.

Berta has developed a reputation for not backing down without a fight in transfer negotiations, and he’ll likely do everything in his power to land the former Lyon man if he feels he is the right candidate.

Guimaraes enjoyed another excellent season for Newcastle in 2025/26, despite Howe’s side’s troubles.

He scored nine goals and registered seven assists across 41 appearances, and this form has seemingly sparked interest from top clubs once again.

Martin Zubimendi suffered in the back half of last season for Arsenal, explaining why Berta and Arteta may feel the acquisition of Guimaraes to be necessary.

Arsenal Tried to Sign Bruno Guimaraes in 2021

Arsenal have long held an interest in Guimaraes. Back in the summer of 2021, the Gunners were heavily linked with the Brazil international, who was then plying his trade at Lyon in France.

He’d just enjoyed a breakout season in Ligue 1, six months after making the move from Brazilian club Athletico Paranaense.

A deal ultimately couldn’t be agreed, and the Gunners instead went on to add the likes of Martin Odegaard and Albert Sambi Lokonga to their squad that summer.

Fast forward six months, and Arsenal were again linked with Guimaraes before Newcastle ultimately landed the number eight in January 2022.

The Magpies took the midfield maestro away from the North Londoners, signing him in a £40million deal.

Arsenal have been mooted as a potential suitor for Guimaraes in subsequent windows, but few concrete reports have actually surfaced on this front until this week.

Now, after years of monitoring him, he could finally be Emirates-bound, and for a cut-price fee, although it is clear they will have to improve on the initial £55million offer. Arsenal are understood to be readying a second bid and reports have suggested an offer of £60million could get a deal done.

Alan Shearer has described Guimaraes as ‘brilliant’ in the recent past, and this legendary figure’s endorsement is a clear indication of just how important he is to the Magpies.

Everything runs through Guimaraes in Howe’s team, and thus, Arsenal would be landing the services of one of the most influential midfielders in the Premier League if they can get a deal over the line.