Arsenal ‘Very Close’ to Signing Bruno Guimaraes Ahead of Third Bid

Arsenal are set to table their final offer for Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, believed to be in the region of £72 million, with the player said to be ‘very close’ to making the move, according to Brazilian publication UOL.

Guimaraes enjoyed another stellar season in the north-east last term, scoring nine goals and providing seven assists in 41 appearances across all competitions. However, with the player approaching 29 and with Newcastle failing to qualify for the Champions League, the Brazilian is eager for a new challenge with a club competing for major honours.

It was revealed on Wednesday evening that Guimaraes has informed Newcastle of his desire to join Arsenal, although the 28-year-old won’t agitate for a move away from St James’ Park.

The Gunners have already seen two bids rejected for the playmaker, and will now return with one final, significantly improved proposal.

Arsenal to Make Final Offer for Bruno Guimaraes

According to UOL, Arsenal’s initial bid for Guimaraes was worth £55 million and was swiftly turned down by the Magpies. The Gunners then had a second offer worth £65 million rejected.

Mikel Arteta is an admirer of the former Lyon man and is keen on bringing him to the Emirates. Sporting director Andrea Berta is prepared to make this happen, although the North London club aren’t willing to break the bank to land the ageing number eight.

UOL report that the next bid will be Arsenal’s final before they start considering alternatives. The outlet suggest that the Gunners are preparing a £72 million offer, which they hope will convince the Tynesiders to cash in on their captain, who has been described as ‘one of the best midfielders in the world’ by Gabriel Martinelli.

Fabrizio Romano indicated on Thursday morning that Newcastle are staunch in their stance that anything less than £90 million for Guimaraes won’t be accepted.

Eddie Howe and the Newcastle hierarchy view the Brazil international as critical to their project, and would need a substantial offer that reflects this importance to even consider a sale.

Bruno Guimaraes May Need to Agitate for a Move to Secure Arsenal Transfer

It’s clear from the reporting that Newcastle aren’t keen on selling Guimaraes. The Magpies have already lost Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon this summer, and another major departure would leave their squad short of the firepower needed to challenge for a European place again.

Various reports also make it clear that Guimaraes doesn’t want to burn bridges with the north-east club. He isn’t willing to push for a move in the radical ways that Alexander Isak did last summer, as he looks to retain his healthy relationship with the Newcastle fanbase.

If he really wants to be plying his trade in North London next season, he might need to alter his stance on this.

With Arsenal seemingly unwilling to meet Newcastle’s price demands, the only way in which a deal materialises is if Guimaraes makes things uncomfortable for the Magpies.

This may involve refusing to train, which would certainly break his bond with Newcastle supporters, but would put the Tynesiders in a position where they almost have to sell.