Bruno Guimaraes has told Newcastle of his wish to leave and join Arsenal this summer.
According to the Athletic, Arsenal are stepping up their pursuit of the Brazil international and have indicated a willingness of how much they will pay for the midfielder.
LIVE BLOG: All the latest transfer news and rumours
Guimaraes has two years left on his contract at St James’ Park, having signed a five-year extension in October 2023.
That deal was said to have had a temporary £100million release clause inserted, but it expired in June 2024 without being exercised and now the Premier League champions are willing to offer a package worth £60m.
The report also states that there has been no club-to-club contact so far, with the Magpies currently maintaining their stance of not entertaining any bids for Guimaraes.
Newcastle have already recouped nearly £200m this summer already after selling Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £69.3m and Sandro Tonali to Tottenham in a deal worth up to £100m.
While there has been no official approach from Arsenal, Standard Sport reported last month that they have held initial talks with Guimaraes’ representatives to understand his situation at St James’ Park after Newcastle missed out on European qualification.
The Gunners are now likely to formalise their interest in signing the 28-year-old this summer.
Arsenal have been handed a boost to get a deal done for Guimaraes - and earlier than expected.
Brazil were knocked out of the World Cup by Norway on Sunday, with Guimaraes seeing a first half penalty saved. It marked the first time the Selecao failed to make the quarter-final of a World Cup since 1990.
Brazil's pain could be Arsenal's gain with Guimaraes now free to sort out his future.
