Arsenal prepare improved bid for Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes

Arsenal are intensifying their pursuit of Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes, preparing an improved offer for the Brazil international after an initial approach was rejected. The move comes as sporting director Andrea Berta seeks to strengthen the midfield of the reigning Premier League champions during the current summer transfer window.

The Gunners previously submitted a verbal offer of £55m for the 28-year-old, which Football reports was swiftly turned down by Newcastle, who maintain the player is not for sale. However, Berta has reportedly signaled his intention to submit a second bid, according to the Brazilian publication Globo. The Italian director possesses a long-standing admiration for Guimaraes, having previously attempted to bring him to Atletico Madrid in 2020 before the player chose Lyon.

Media additions

The interest in Guimaraes follows a period of exploratory talks. According to BBC Sport, a fee of around £60m was initially intimated to the player's representatives while checking financial conditions. Guimaraes has two years remaining on his contract and has not indicated a desire to leave St James' Park, though the Daily Mail reports his camp has been gauging the market following an impressive 2026 World Cup campaign.

Conflicting reports on release clauses

A point of contention has emerged regarding the terms of Guimaraes' contract. Globo reported over the weekend that a release clause exists which would allow the midfielder to depart for £60m this summer, triggered by Newcastle's failure to qualify for next season's Champions League. But The Standard reports that sources at Newcastle deny any such clause exists.

Newcastle are in a strong position to demand a premium, particularly as other midfielders command high valuations. This is evidenced by Manchester City agreeing a club-record £116m deal with Nottingham Forest for Elliot Anderson. Former striker Darren Bent told talkSPORT that while Anderson's valuation is crazy, Bournemouth's Alex Scott—another Arsenal target—represents better value at a reported £60m.

Newcastle's reluctance to sell is further compounded by their broader squad situation. According to Footballtransfers, the Magpies are unlikely to negotiate the sale of their skipper after already cashing in on Anthony Gordon and with the likelihood of Sandro Tonali departing.

Midfield strategy and alternatives

Arsenal's interest in Guimaraes is part of a broader assessment of the market. The club has also explored the availability of Newcastle team-mate Sandro Tonali. While The Standard reports that GR Sports offered Tonali to Arsenal last week, the Gunners reportedly baulked at the player's £275,000-a-week wage demands. Interest in Tonali has since waned in favor of Guimaraes, despite Tottenham Hotspur reportedly pursuing the Italian with an unsuccessful £80m opening offer.

The club is currently considering several options for a single leading central midfielder:

• Bruno Guimaraes: The primary target and Newcastle captain.
• Alex Scott: The 22-year-old Bournemouth midfielder valued at £60m.
• Ayyoub Bouaddi: The Lille prospect under internal assessment.
• Mateus Fernandes: The 21-year-old West Ham midfielder, valued up to £80m and also a target for Tottenham.

According to BBC Sport, the arrival of a new central midfielder would likely lead to the sale of 32-year-old Christian Norgaard and could impact Martin Zubimendi's role as a regular starter. Manager Mikel Arteta may be handed another £250m to spend as the club looks to defend its title.

Broader squad overhaul

The pursuit of Guimaraes coincides with a wider recruitment drive. Arsenal have already confirmed the permanent £34.5m signing of Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen, exercising an option after a season-long loan. The 24-year-old has signed a long-term contract believed to run until 2031.

In other areas, the club is targeting Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers. FootballTransfers notes that engagement for Rogers is expected to start at £80m, though The Standard suggests any successful bid may need to exceed £100m. Arsenal are also monitoring Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola and Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa.

Outgoing activity is also expected. Arsenal News reports that right-back Ben White is expected to leave, and the club has accepted a £17 million package from Besiktas for the potential transfer of Leandro Trossard. Additionally, Hamburg sporting director Kathleen Kruger has confirmed the club is exploring a permanent transfer for playmaker Fabio Vieira.

What to watch next

• Whether Arsenal submits the second formal bid for Guimaraes following the rejected £55m offer.
• Confirmation of a potential "double deal" for Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers and Ezri Konsa.
• The resolution of the Jeremy Monga pursuit after a €5.8m bid was rejected by Leicester City, who reportedly want €11.6m and a 15% sell-on clause.