Arsenal told new Bruno Guimaraes offer will be blocked after deal already agreed
Arsenal have been told Bruno Guimaraes will not be allowed to leave Newcastle United this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The 28-year-old has emerged as a leading target for the Gunners as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his midfield options after lifting the Premier League title last season.
However, Newcastle are extremely reluctant to lose the Brazil international and he will remain a crucial part of Eddie Howe's plans despite the growing interest.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, the sales of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali have only served to strengthen Newcastle's resolve.
Howe is determined not to lose three key players in the same window, and believes selling Guimaraes would put the club in a difficult position which they would struggle to recover from.
As a result, Arsenal may be forced to look elsewhere in their pursuit of midfield additions, as they will come up against Newcastle's resolute stance otherwise.
Will Arsenal make a fresh move for Bruno Guimaraes?
Football Insider revealed on 3 July that Arsenal could step up their pursuit of Guimaraes and could test Newcastle's resolve with a new offer for the midfielder.
The Gunners have already seen a provisional offer of £55million rebuffed by the Magpies, but are considering lodging an improved bid in the coming days.
However, from Newcastle's perspective, they are extremely reluctant to let him go and have no plans to entertain any offers from their Premier League rivals.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "It's a difficult situation for Newcastle because they don't want to lose Bruno Guimaraes.
"To lose three key players like that in the same transfer window would take a lot to recover from for Newcastle and would put them in a difficult position.
"They were never going to sell Bruno at £55 million or whatever that it was talked about as well. I think they'll be doing everything they can to try and keep hold of the Brazil international.
"Newcastle right now are probably trying to batten down the hatches and make sure that no more key players leave the club.
"As I said, to lose three players of the quality of Gordon, Tonali and possibly Bruno would be huge loss for the club and would leave them with big voids to fill."
Could Guimaraes push to leave Newcastle?
Despite the Magpies' reluctance to see him move on, there is a lingering possibility that Guimaraes could push for a move away amid interest from Arsenal.
Newcastle are fearing a repeat of the Alexander Isak saga, in which he was repeatedly targeted by Liverpool before ultimately forcing through the move despite his club's stance.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 29 June that Arsenal have been encouraged to continue their pursuit by Guimaraes' camp.
There is a belief that the 28-year-old would be keen to make the move to the Emirates, should an acceptable offer arrive in the near future.
The growing noise around the midfielder's position at Newcastle is believed to have been inspired by his representatives, who have held talks with other clubs.