Arsenal in Advanced Talks for Bruno Guimarães After Verbal Agreement - Report

Arsenal are pushing hard to land Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimarães, with reports claiming the two clubs have reached a verbal agreement in the region of £75 million (€87.7 million). Sources indicate that personal terms are already in place and that the Gunners have entered what they describe as "advanced talks" with the Magpies. However, Newcastle sources continue to firmly deny any formal contact has been made, insisting that no official bid has been lodged throughout the entire saga. Guimarães, who is due to report for pre-season training on Friday, is believed to have told those close to him that he wants his future sorted before returning to the club. The 28-year-old Brazilian has been Arsenal's top midfield target for weeks and is understood to be keen on joining the Premier League champions this summer. Earlier approaches from Arsenal-believed to be verbal offers in the €70 million range-were immediately rejected by Newcastle, who have no intention of losing their captain. The Magpies have already seen key players such as Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali leave this summer after failing to qualify for European competition, and they are determined not to let their skipper follow them out the door. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admitted this week that while his conversations with Guimarães have been "positive," he remains uncertain about the player's future. The entirety of Arsenal's interest has been conducted through intermediaries, and Newcastle would turn down any bid in the €80 million region. The constant speculation, without a concrete offer, has become a growing source of frustration for the Tyneside club. All parties are keen to see the situation resolved quickly. Guimarães is not thought to be considering an "Alexander Isak-style" standoff ahead of his anticipated return to training in the coming days.