Bruno Guimaraes enjoyed another outstanding campaign for Newcastle United last season.
The Brazilian midfielder scored nine goals and provided five assists in 29 Premier League appearances, underlining his importance to the Magpies.
He also impressed for Brazil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Guimaraes registered four assists in five matches as Brazil reached the Round of 16 before suffering a 2-1 defeat to Norway.
Those performances have only strengthened Arsenal‘s interest this summer. Mikel Arteta wants more quality and leadership in midfield.
Reports suggest the Premier League champions have already agreed a deal in principle with the 28-year-old.
Questions were then raised after Guimaraes did not arrive in Spain to join Newcastle’s pre-season training camp as expected.
According to Keith Downie, Bruno Guimaraes failed to arrive at La Manga to meet his Newcastle United team-mates yesterday, although the midfielder is still expected to travel and join the squad.
Downie reports that Newcastle are not worrying about the situation. Guimaraes is reportedly on his way to Spain, where new head coach Matthias Jaissle is waiting to meet his captain.
The update comes after Guimaraes informed Newcastle last month that he wanted to join Arsenal.
The midfielder remains heavily linked with a move to north London during the current transfer window.
Newcastle are already rebuilding after a disappointing campaign that ended with a 12th-place finish in the Premier League.
The club also missed out on European qualification despite reaching the Champions League Round of 16, the FA Cup fifth round and the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
The Magpies have already lost key players this summer. Sandro Tonali joined Tottenham Hotspur, while Anthony Gordon completed a move to Barcelona.
Guimaraes could now become another major departure after Eddie Howe as Newcastle continue reshaping their squad under Matthias Jaissle.
Pre-season has also brought mixed results. Newcastle opened with a 3-0 win over Darlington before drawing 1-1 with Gateshead.
They then suffered a 4-1 defeat to Bristol City as preparations continue ahead of the new Premier League season.
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