Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes after negotiations between the two Premier League clubs moved towards a final agreement.
The Gunners are expected to pay £75 million for the Brazil international after submitting an improved second offer.
Newcastle rejected Arsenal’s opening bid on Monday, but further discussions have reportedly brought the clubs closer to completing the transfer.
Guimaraes is expected to undergo a medical later this week before finalising his move to the Emirates Stadium.
Personal terms are understood to have been agreed for some time, leaving the transfer fee and final contractual formalities as the main issues to resolve.
Arsenal reportedly hope to complete the deal within the next 48 hours.
The midfielder is currently with Newcastle’s squad at a training camp in La Manga, Spain, and is awaiting permission to leave to complete the move.
Newcastle are believed to be satisfied with the proposed fee, which would deliver a significant profit on the £38 million they paid Lyon to sign Guimaraes in 2022.
His departure would continue a major summer overhaul at St James’ Park.
Anthony Gordon has already joined Barcelona, while Sandro Tonali completed a move to Tottenham Hotspur. Alexander Isak also left Newcastle for Liverpool last year.
Arsenal identified Guimaraes as a leading target after deciding they needed another high-quality midfielder to compete with and provide support for Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi.
Rice and Zubimendi carried a demanding workload last season, with both featuring regularly as Arsenal competed across several competitions.
Guimaraes’ Premier League experience, physical strength and ability to influence matches in possession would give Arsenal greater depth in central midfield.
The Brazilian has established himself as one of Newcastle’s most important players since arriving from Lyon and was reportedly open to leaving following a period of major change at the club.
Arsenal will now seek to complete the medical and remaining paperwork before officially confirming another significant addition to their squad.
