Newcastle to 'reluctantly' accept Arsenal's Bruno Guimaraes offer
Bruno Guimaraes is now set to complete a move to Arsenal as they close in on an agreement with Newcastle, sources have told Football Insider.
The 28-year-old has emerged as one of the top targets for Mikel Arteta's side, and they are now hopeful of completing a move before the start of the new season.
Following Eddie Howe's unexpected departure from St James' Park, the Magpies are likely to find it difficult to convince the Brazil international to stick around.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Inisder podcast, negotiations are continuing between Arsenal and Newcastle to do a deal for Guimaraes.
Newcastle have been holding out for a significant fee, with the Gunners keen to negotiate it lower, but a final fee of £75million is expected to get a deal over the line.
Guimaraes' exit is now expected to go through in the near future, leaving Newcastle in a tricky position, having lost three major players alongside their manager.
Will Arsenal complete a move for Bruno Guimaraes?
Former Tottenham scout Bryan King told Football Insider on 29 June that Arsenal will have to significant increase their offer if they want to sign Guimaraes this summer.
This comes after the Gunners made an initial move for the midfileder which was believed to be in the region of £60million as they assess his availability.
Now, Arsenal are prepared to increase their offer and are growing increasingly confident that a deal will be agreed in the coming weeks if not days.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Yeah, I think it's almost inevitable that Bruno Guimaraes will end up leaving Newcastle in this summer's transfer window.
"He has indicated to club that he would be interested in a move to Arsenal, and they are the front-runners for his signature after becoming a top target for Mikel Arteta's side.
"So now I think if Arsenal do put up the money for Bruno Guimaraes, if they can meet Newcastle's asking price of around £75 million, there's every indication that a deal will get done.
"There is a willingness from the players side to make the move. Arsenal are ready to push the button on it as well and I think Newcastle reluctantly will cash in on the Brazil international."
What is Newcastle's updated stance on selling Guimaraes?
Newcastle have been reluctant to lose Guimaraes this summer amid what has proved to be another disappointing transfer window for the Magpies.
Following the departures of Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon, losing a third star player will come as a significant blow to their plans for the future, but it now seems inevitable.
Football Insider revealed on 26 July that Newcastle are now prepared to accept offers for Guimaraes as long as they are right for the club, with £80million likely to do a job.
Arsenal had initially been keen to do the deal closer to their original £60million valuation, but are edging closer to the midfielder's asking price to get a deal done.
Howe's departure could be the catalyst for the move to go through, with Guimaraes keen to make the move, and Newcastle failing in attempts to convince him to stay.