Arsenal have taken a step closer to signing Bruno Guimaraes.
The Gunners want to make the Brazilian their first major signing of the summer transfer window, but saw an opening bid rejected by Newcastle on Monday.
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Standard Sport understands that Guimaraes, who has joined up with his current team-mates at their Spain pre-season camp, has expressed his desire to join the Gunners.
It has been reported elsewhere that the Brazil star has already agreed personal terms on a five-year contract.
There is an expectation that the deal gets done in the coming days, and now the Gunners will be buoyed by reports that Newcastle have identified their replacement for Guimaraes.
According to O Jogo, Newcastle have made their first concrete move for Porto midfielder Victor Froholdt by contacting the Dane’s representatives to discuss a potential transfer.
It will prove a difficult deal to do, however.
Newcastle are sounding out Froholdt's interest - a smart move after the club has been repeatedly rejected in public fashion over the past 12 months - but he has previously claimed he wishes to stay put.
Porto have yet to receive a formal approach and any deal would be complicated by Froholdt’s £73.4 million release clause.
Fresh from being named the Primeira Liga’s Player of the Season, Froholdt recently reaffirmed his commitment to Porto, insisting he is happy at the club and fully focused on winning the league title.
“People talk about taking the next step, but for me Porto is already a huge club,” he said.
“I am focused on the next league match. I like being here. Now we are going all out for the championship.”
