Arsenal in talks to sign Newcastle's Guimaraes

What the report says

Arsenal are in direct talks with Newcastle United over a move for captain Bruno Guimaraes, according to BBC Sport Football. The report says the two clubs have moved into formal discussions after earlier contact was handled through intermediaries, and that Guimaraes, 28, wants to join the Premier League champions.

BBC Sport said Arsenal previously made a £70m offer through intermediaries last month, but that bid was not accepted. A Newcastle source has since indicated an Arsenal approach was rejected, although the size of that unsuccessful offer has not been disclosed. Even so, the article says people involved believe the negotiations are edging toward a conclusion, with Arsenal expected to return with an improved bid.

Guimaraes is currently in Spain with Newcastle’s pre-season training camp in La Manga after his post-World Cup break. The midfielder was a key player for Newcastle last season, finishing with nine Premier League goals and eight assists in all competitions, and was the club’s top scorer in the league. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has recently described his squad-building plans as active and ambitious, while declining to speak specifically about Guimaraes.

If completed, the move would underline Arsenal’s attempt to strengthen further after winning the Premier League title, while Newcastle would face the loss of one of their most important players.