Bruno Guimaraes has asked to leave Newcastle United, with Premier League champions Arsenal accelerating their pursuit of the Brazil international midfielder.
Arsenal, who explored approaches for both Guimaraes and former Newcastle teammate Sandro Tonali – now at Tottenham for £92.5m – have been intimated a fee of around £60m during discussions with the 28-year-old’s representatives.
While Newcastle have not received direct contact from Arsenal, Mikel Arteta’s side are preparing a formal offer.
The Brazil international, who missed a penalty in his country’s World Cup last-16 exit to Norway on Sunday, has been Newcastle’s captain and talisman since arriving from Lyon in 2022.
The club has already sold Tonali and Anthony Gordon this window and does not want to lose Guimaraes.
Arsenal are understood to want only one leading central midfielder, with Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi also under consideration. Guimaraes, who turns 29 in November, could be available for a lower fee given his age.
A central midfield arrival would trigger the sale of Denmark’s Christian Norgaard, 32, and could also threaten Martin Zubimendi’s starting role next season.
