Arsenal entered the summer determined to build on their Premier League title triumph under Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners finally ended their 22-year wait for the title and also reached the Champions League final.
Andrea Berta has already overseen significant changes as Arsenal prepare for another demanding campaign.
Piero Hincapié has joined permanently from Bayer Leverkusen, while Illan Meslier arrived on a free transfer.
Leandro Trossard has also departed for Besiktas as Arsenal continue reshaping their squad.
The north London side are still pursuing Christos Tzolis and Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers to strengthen the left flank.
However, midfield remains one of the biggest priorities for Arteta before the new season begins.
Arsenal want another elite presence alongside Declan Rice as they look to establish long-term domestic dominance.
Bruno Guimaraes quickly emerged as the club’s leading target for that role earlier this summer.
The Brazilian has already agreed personal terms with Arsenal over a contract running until 2031.
He has also informed Newcastle United that he wants to complete the move to the Emirates.
That development encouraged Arsenal, who believed a deal could be completed for significantly less than Newcastle’s valuation.
Reports suggested intermediaries had indicated a fee of around £50 million would be enough to start serious negotiations.
Arsenal are still expected to submit an offer worth around £60 million in the coming weeks.
However, according to talkSPORT, Newcastle United want close to £100 million to sell Bruno Guimaraes this summer.
Senior figures at St James’ Park have also dismissed suggestions of any gentleman’s agreement regarding his departure.
The Magpies remain reluctant to lose another major player after the exits of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali.
talkSPORT’s Alex Crook also reports that Newcastle still hope to convince their captain to sign a new contract.
Arsenal must now decide whether to significantly increase their offer or walk away from the deal altogether.
Want to get the latest transfer news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
