Newcastle United have already seen several important players leave the club this summer. That is why they are now reluctant to sell Bruno Guimaraes.
Anthony Gordon completed his move to Barcelona, while Sandro Tonali joined Tottenham Hotspur in a major deal. The departures did not end there either.
Kieran Trippier left for Wolves on a free transfer after Alexander Isak had departed for Liverpool the previous summer. Those exits followed a disappointing campaign for Eddie Howe’s side.
Newcastle finished 12th in the Premier League and exited the Champions League after an 8-3 aggregate defeat to Barcelona.
As a result, the Magpies want to avoid losing another leading figure before the new season begins.
However, Brazil’s elimination from the World Cup has accelerated developments surrounding Bruno Guimaraes.
Arsenal have made midfield reinforcement a priority this summer as they prepare to defend their Premier League title.
Mikel Arteta views an additional elite midfielder as an important part of those plans.
The Gunners have already strengthened their squad with the arrival of Piero Hincapie, while Illan Meslier has also joined the club.
Meanwhile, Leandro Trossard is edging closer to a move to Beşiktaş as further changes continue behind the scenes.
According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal remain in pole position to sign Bruno Guimaraes, but Newcastle will only consider offers closer to £100 million.
The report adds that suggestions Newcastle would accept around £60 million have been firmly dismissed internally.
Meanwhile, fresh talks have already taken place between Arsenal and the player’s representatives. The Brazilian would also prefer his future to be resolved before the start of pre-season.
Manchester City remain interested in the situation, although Arsenal are currently leading the race. For now, Newcastle remain determined to keep their captain.
However, Arsenal’s pursuit is showing no signs of slowing down despite the Magpies’ firm stance.
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