Bruno Guimarães to Arsenal: Formal Talks Underway as Move Gains Momentum

Arsenal have opened formal club-to-club discussions with Newcastle United over a deal for Bruno Guimarães, The Times reports. The development signals a shift in the saga after insider sources revealed in June that an informal £60m offer—conveyed through intermediaries—was rejected by the Magpies. At that time, Arsenal had indicated to the midfielder’s camp they were prepared to pay around €70 million, but there was no direct contact between the two Premier League sides. Now, according to The Times, Arsenal have initiated direct negotiations with Newcastle, aiming to finally land the Brazil international. The 28-year-old, who has two years remaining on his contract, has reportedly expressed a desire to leave St. James’ Park, though Newcastle are reluctant to part with him. Eddie Howe’s side have already sanctioned the departures of Anthony Gordon (to Barcelona) and Sandro Tonali (to Tottenham Hotspur) this summer and are not eager to lose another key figure. Guimarães has been one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders since arriving from Lyon in January 2022, netting 31 goals in 195 appearances for Newcastle. He played a crucial role in the club’s first domestic trophy in 70 years—the 2025 Carabao Cup—and represented Brazil at the 2026 World Cup. sources notes that Guimarães will turn 29 in November, a factor they claim will influence Arsenal’s valuation. The Gunners are keen to ease the burden on Declan Rice, who started all eight of England’s World Cup matches and made 55 appearances for Arsenal last season, by adding a midfielder capable of playing both as a No. 6 and a No. 8. Arsenal have also monitored Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi, but insider sources reports that Manchester City are pushing hard for the 18-year-old Moroccan, whose price tag may have climbed to €100 million following the recent big-money deals involving Tonali and Elliot Anderson.