Arsenal 'confident' of agreeing Bruno Guimaraes deal after new talks

Arsenal are confident of completing a deal to sign Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes before the new season starts, sources have told Football Insider.

The Premier League champions have been working intensively on a deal behind the scenes for weeks and further progress has been made in the last few days., with the Gunners' first formal bid of £70million now imminent.

The Gunners are readying a first formal bid of £70million and sources say Guimaraes is “very keen” to join the North London club.

He has asked to leave Newcastle in the summer window due to the interest.

Arsenal have agreed personal terms with the Brazilian midfielder, who is expected to report for pre-season training next week following a three-weak break after his World Cup exploits.

They are believed to have sealed an agreement for a five-year contract, but Newcastle remain insistent that he is not for sale.

The Magpies want to keep hold of him after Sandro Tonali's departure, but will be powerless to stop a move if Arsenal offer the right fee.

All parties are now expecting a move to be completed, with a move likely before the new season begins.

Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal will be confirmed before start of new campaign

Newcastle still expect Guimaraes to report for training as they head to La Manga for a warm-weather camp on 31 July.

The 28-year-old has not publicly pushed for a move away from St James' Park yet, but is open to leaving and expects to seal an exit.

He has featured 195 times for Newcastle since January 2022, and registered nine goals and seven assists in 41 games last season.

Eddie Howe's plans will have to change if he leaves, with Guimaraes in line to become the Magpies' club-captain after Kieran Trippier's departure.

Which midfielders are Newcastle looking to sign this summer?

Newcastle have reportedly agreed a £34m deal with Monaco to sign 20-year-old defensive midfielder Aladji Bamba.

Bamba has featured for France at several youth levels, and made 25 appearances for Monaco in his first senior campaign last season.

Sean Steur has already arrived from Ajax, but sources have told Football Insider that Newcastle are behind Nottingham Forest in the race to sign Lucas Bergvall.

Several other European targets are believed to be on their radar, such as Ederson, Mandela Keita, Angelo Stiller and Hugo Larsson.