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Arsenal are reportedly looking to finalize a deal for Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães within the next few days, even if it means raising their offer to £80 million ($107.5 million).
The Gunners have grabbed recent headlines for their opportunistic pursuit of Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior, but they remain equally committed to landing Guimarães in north London. Arsenal have already had bids of £55 million ($73 million) and £70 million ($93.2 million) rejected by the Magpies, yet that has done little to deter the reigning Premier League champions.
BBC Sport reports that Arsenal are "increasingly confident" of securing Guimarães this summer. The club acknowledges it must table a higher offer and is "aiming" to wrap up the deal sooner rather than later, even if the fee climbs to £80 million.
It's no secret that Guimarães is eager to pull on a red shirt next season, and that desire has likely intensified following reports that Eddie Howe has stepped down from his role at Newcastle.
How Howe's Departure Impacts Guimarães's Future
News of Howe's exit broke on Thursday, less than a day after Newcastle were beaten 4–1 by Championship outfit Bristol City in a preseason friendly. Reports suggest the manager grew frustrated with the club's summer transfer activity, which saw Anthony Gordon depart for Barcelona and Sandro Tonali head to Tottenham Hotspur.
Those two losses came just one summer after star striker Alexander Isak made the move to Liverpool. Now, Guimarães appears to be the next high-profile name on an ever-growing list of departures from St James' Park.
According to BBC Sport, Guimarães's potential switch to Arsenal is unrelated to Howe's exit. The transfer wheels had been turning long before the Englishman decided to part ways with the Magpies.
Nevertheless, the abrupt departure and the anticipated appointment of new manager Matthias Jaissle only adds to the uncertainty surrounding Newcastle. Coupled with a disappointing 12th-place Premier League finish last season, there is little reason for Guimarães to stay in black and white, particularly with the defending champions knocking at his door.
Arsenal Might Have to Compromise Their Transfer Strategy
While other Premier League heavyweights have been spending freely to strengthen their squads, Arsenal have taken a notably cautious approach this summer. Piero Hincapié completed a permanent transfer to the Emirates from Bayer Leverkusen, goalkeeper Illan Meslier arrived on a free transfer, and Christos Tzolis joined from Club Brugge for £34 million ($45.4 million).
Those three signings were far from extravagant, which had appeared to reflect Arsenal's reluctance to break the bank — even if it meant walking away from some of the market's biggest names. The club declined to match Aston Villa's valuation of Morgan Rogers, allowing Chelsea to swoop in with a record-smashing $157 million (£117 million) bid.
Arsenal also distanced themselves from a move for Julián Alvarez, leaving Barcelona and Atlético Madrid to contest the forward's signature. And they initially opened with just a £55 million ($74 million) bid for Guimarães, who Newcastle reportedly value at around £93 million ($124 million).
Yet the English champions now appear willing to spend around £80 million to bring a 28-year-old midfielder into an already congested midfield — and that's assuming Newcastle accept a fee below their asking price.
It's a bold gamble from Arsenal, who might arguably be better served directing such a significant outlay toward a proven, top-class forward to strengthen a relatively underwhelming attack, rather than adding yet another midfielder to a group that already includes Martin Ødegaard, Martín Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze, Ethan Nwaneri, and Christian Nørgaard.