LONDON, June 30, 2026. Mikel Arteta is closing in on a transfer target he has pursued for the better part of six years, with Arsenal preparing to step up their efforts to sign Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United as the Premier League champions look to strengthen their midfield options .
The Brazil international, currently at the World Cup in North America, has been on Arsenal’s radar since Arteta took charge at the Emirates in late 2019. Two previous attempts to sign the midfielder have ended in disappointment, first when he joined Lyon from Athletico Paranaense in 2020, and again when Newcastle secured his signature for £40m two years later . His agent Alexis Malavolta later revealed that Arsenal had shown genuine interest on both occasions, but Newcastle moved decisively during a World Cup year .
Newcastle stand firm
The Gunners have already tested Newcastle’s resolve with an offer worth approximately £55m, submitted through intermediaries, but the Magpies swiftly dismissed the proposal . Reports in the Brazilian media have suggested Guimaraes has a £60m release clause that can be triggered this summer after Newcastle failed to qualify for the Champions League, though sources on Tyneside have disputed those claims .
Chronicle Live understands that a figure of £45m was floated in initial discussions, but Newcastle made it clear they are not interested in losing their captain on the cheap . Chief executive David Hopkinson had already signalled the club’s stance in March, stating that any player under contract “is going to leave on our terms” .
Long standing admiration
Guimaraes has developed into one of the Premier League’s finest midfielders since arriving on Tyneside, scoring 31 goals in 195 appearances and captaining Newcastle to Carabao Cup glory in 2025 . Last season he contributed nine goals and five assists, earning the club’s Player of the Season award .
Arteta views the 28 year old as the ideal profile to complement Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi, with the Arsenal manager keen to add a midfielder who can both compete for a starting place and provide reliable cover . The Gunners endured a difficult campaign in midfield last season, with Christian Norgaard barely featuring and Zubimendi becoming increasingly exhausted through the campaign .
Alternative options
Arsenal have cast their net wide in the search for midfield reinforcements, with Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi and West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes all under consideration . An enquiry for Scott was firmly rejected by Bournemouth, who regard the England Under 21 international as a cornerstone of their long term plans and are keen to secure a contract extension .
Interest in Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali has cooled, with Tottenham advancing in their efforts to sign the Italian . The Magpies have rejected an £80m offer from Spurs for Tonali, who is valued at £100m .
Any arrival in midfield is likely to prompt the departure of Norgaard, who is expected to leave this summer, and could cast doubt over Zubimendi’s status as a regular starter .
Reporting by Azuka for Betandsured.com
