Arsenal close in on Bruno Guimaraes as Berta targets second priority deal

Arsenal are on the verge of completing a deal for Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, with sources confirming to sources that only the final details remain before the transfer is sealed. The Brazil international, 28, has made it clear he wants to move to the Emirates Stadium, and the Gunners have been working behind the scenes for weeks to make it happen. Sporting director Andrea Berta has identified Guimaraes as the first of two essential signings this summer. The second priority is a left-sided forward who can drift inside – a profile similar to Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez. Berta is not looking for a traditional winger but a more flexible attacker to complement Mikel Arteta's system. To balance the books, Arsenal have been managing their transfer budget carefully, which partly explains the delay in formalising their bid for Guimaraes. The exact fee remains unclear, but the midfielder is expected to become the club's biggest summer addition. Arsenal have already made two low-key moves this window: Piero Hincapie joined permanently from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal effectively arranged last summer, while goalkeeper Illan Meslier arrived on a free transfer from Leeds to back up David Raya. With Guimaraes close to arriving, Berta is ready to accelerate Arsenal's preparations for the new season.