Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes, with a fee of around £77 million now agreed in principle.
French outlet L’Equipe reported that the Premier League champions raised their offer to €90 million after earlier bids worth €70 million and €80 million were rejected by Newcastle.
The 28-year-old Brazil international has emerged as Mikel Arteta’s primary midfield target ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, with the player himself eager to push through a move to north London.
Guimaraes agreed personal terms on a contract running until 2031 several weeks ago, underlining just how determined he has been to secure this particular transfer.
Some details, including bonuses and agent fees, are yet to be finalised, but the deal is understood to be in its closing stages with no significant obstacles remaining.
The Newcastle captain has made 195 appearances for the club since joining from Lyon in January 2022, establishing himself as one of the most influential midfielders in the Premier League.
Last season Guimaraes scored nine goals and provided eight assists in 41 appearances across all competitions, further cementing his reputation as a complete and dynamic midfielder.
Newcastle were reluctant to sanction his departure, having already sold Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon during the current window, but the player’s determination to leave proved decisive in bringing about a resolution.
The departure of manager Eddie Howe, who enjoyed a particularly close relationship with Guimaraes during their time together at St James’ Park, is also reported to have played a significant role in opening the door to a transfer.
Newcastle have already begun planning for life without their skipper by signing Aladji Bamba from Monaco, signalling that the club has accepted the inevitable outcome of this prolonged transfer saga.
Guimaraes has been motivated throughout by a desire to compete for major honours and feature regularly in the Champions League, ambitions that Arsenal are now positioned to fulfil.
An impressive World Cup campaign with Brazil only strengthened his standing as one of the most coveted midfielders in world football, attracting firm interest from Arsenal above all other suitors.
