Arsenal’s pursuit of Bruno Guimarães is refusing to go away.
Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta identified the Newcastle captain as a priority midfield target, with the Gunners subsequently making an opening offer worth around £55 million via intermediaries that was rejected.
Since then, reports have claimed Guimaraes has informed Newcastle he wants the move, Arsenal have held discussions with his representatives to gauge the conditions of a deal, and Newcastle have responded by placing a valuation close to £100 million on one of their most influential players.
Despite the sizeable gap between the clubs, Arsenal have continued exploring every possible route to keep negotiations alive.
The latest update suggests that process is still unfolding behind the scenes.
Insider shares Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal update after Newcastle phone call
According to Arsenal insider HandOfArsenal, there have been no meaningful club-to-club negotiations beyond an initial phone call from Newcastle, who simply sought clarification on Arsenal’s position without any breakthrough being made.
Instead, Berta is reportedly continuing to work through intermediary Kia Joorabchian as Arsenal attempt to edge closer to a valuation acceptable to both clubs.
That represents a slightly different picture to some of the speculation surrounding the transfer.
Rather than formal negotiations progressing rapidly, the focus appears to remain on establishing whether the financial gap can realistically be closed before serious discussions begin.
Newcastle are now understood to be targeting a fee of £80-85 million as a minimum, a figure lower than the £100million valuation previously reported but still significantly above Arsenal’s opening proposal.
The player’s stance, however, continues to encourage Arsenal.
HandOfArsenal claims Guimaraes is fully committed to Arteta’s project and is happy to allow his representatives to handle discussions professionally rather than attempting to force an exit.
Football FanCast’s Verdict | |
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Credibility | HandOfArsenal is an Arsenal-focused insider account rather than a mainstream journalist. It has accurately reported club developments ahead of wider coverage, and is considered by Gunners supporters as one of the most reliable sources out there. This update should therefore be treated as informed insider reporting with genuine weight behind it. |
Finances | A deal worth around £100 million, or even £80-85m, would make Guimaraes one of Arsenal’s biggest-ever signings. He currently earns around £160,000 per week at Newcastle, meaning Arsenal would likely need to improve those terms. It is also worth noting that, despite his current deal expiring in 2028, the Magpies are protected by a 12-month extension clause. |
Insight | Guimaraes emerged at Athletico Paranaense before impressing at Lyon and becoming Newcastle’s midfield leader. A Brazil international and Olympic gold medallist, he has developed into one of Europe’s finest all-round midfielders, captaining Newcastle and leading them to a first major trophy since the 1950s in 2025. |
Impact | Guimaraes would add another dimension to Arsenal’s midfield and may well complement Rice, Odegaard and Zubimendi perfectly. After scoring nine Premier League goals last season while remaining Newcastle’s midfield anchor, he has shown he can influence matches at both ends of the pitch. |
That approach mirrors previous reports suggesting the Brazil international wants the move but has no intention of creating unnecessary tension with his current club.
“My understanding is club-to-club talks have NOT taken place except a phone call from Newcastle asking Arsenal about their stance, which didn’t clarify anything between the parties,” wrote the insider on X.
“Berta is still wanting Kia to handle all the negotiations until / if a fair valuation can be reached between BOTH parties.
“Newcastle are aiming to secure a fee within the £80-£85m range as a minimum.
“Bruno is fully sold on the project and is awaiting his agents and Kia to handle the situation respectfully.”
From Arsenal’s perspective, patience may be the most valuable asset.
Berta has developed a reputation for waiting until the right conditions emerge rather than rushing into inflated deals, particularly when negotiations involve Premier League rivals.
With Newcastle determined to protect one of their biggest stars, Arsenal appear content to keep communication open while assessing whether the asking price softens as the window develops.
There is also a footballing reason why the Gunners remain so persistent.
Why Bruno Guimaraes is ideal for Arsenal
Guimaraes offers qualities that are difficult to find elsewhere.
His ability to dictate possession, recover the ball aggressively and lead by example would provide another elite option alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.
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At 28, he combines experience with years still ahead of him at the highest level.
Whether Arsenal eventually meet Newcastle’s demands remains uncertain.
For now, the latest information suggests this transfer remains at the relationship-building stage rather than the negotiating table.
But with the player reportedly convinced by Arteta’s vision and Arsenal still working behind the scenes, one of the summer’s biggest Premier League sagas is far from reaching its conclusion.
