Arsenal have taken a major step towards signing Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes after reaching an agreement in principle over a deal worth £77 million plus add-ons.
The Premier League champions have been pursuing the Brazil international throughout the summer and are now close to finalising one of the biggest transfers of the window after breakthrough talks with Newcastle.
According to multiple reports, Arsenal have reserved a date next week for Guimaraes to undergo a medical at London Colney, although some contractual details, bonuses and agent commissions still need to be finalised before the transfer is completed.
The 28-year-old midfielder has already made it clear he wants to move to the Emirates Stadium, with Arsenal having agreed personal terms on a proposed five-year contract earlier this month.
Newcastle had previously rejected two offers from Arsenal as they sought a fee closer to their valuation, but negotiations have now produced a compromise that moves the transfer significantly closer.
The deal represents a significant coup for Mikel Arteta, who has made Guimaraes one of his priority midfield targets after Arsenal won the Premier League title and reached last season’s UEFA Champions League final.
Guimaraes’ impending departure comes during a turbulent period for Newcastle.
The midfielder did not travel with the squad for their pre-season training camp, further fuelling expectations that his move to north London is imminent.
The transfer also follows the departure of head coach Eddie Howe, who confirmed he was stepping down after nearly five years in charge.
In a statement released by Newcastle, Howe said:
“After a period of personal reflection, I have decided that now is the right time for me to step away from my role as head coach of Newcastle United.
“After nearly five years of giving my life, heart and soul into the club with unrelenting energy, I feel that it is in the best interests of both myself and the club to step away, recharge and take a break.”
Howe added that managing Newcastle had been “the privilege of my lifetime” and thanked the club’s supporters, players and ownership for their backing throughout his tenure.
Guimaraes’ sale will also provide a financial boost for his former club Lyon.
When Newcastle signed the Brazilian in 2022, the French side negotiated a 20 per cent sell-on clause on any profit from a future transfer. As a result, Lyon are expected to receive several million pounds once Arsenal complete the deal.
Barring any late complications, Guimaraes is now expected to become Arsenal’s latest marquee signing, adding leadership, creativity and top-level experience to Arteta’s midfield ahead of the new campaign.
