Arsenal have secret weapon in Bruno Guimaraes race

Updated: 26 Jun 2026 15:25 BST | 5 min read

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

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Arsenal may have a secret weapon up their sleeve as they look to finalise a blockbuster deal for Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes.

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The Brazil international, who played a pivotal role as Carlo Ancelotti’s side topped Group C at the 2026 World Cup, has two years remaining on his current contract at St James’ Park, and Arsenal have already tested the waters with a formal summer approach.

Current ETV

Bruno Guimarães

M, DM (C)

Newcastle

Bruno Guimarães

M, DM (C)

Newcastle

ETV Range

€63.1M - €77.1M

Mikel Arteta’s side have earmarked Aston Villa superstar Morgan Rogers as their priority summer transfer target, as confirmed by FootballTransfers, while they remain locked in advanced talks with Leicester City over a deal for Jeremy Monga.

Bradley Barcola and Julian Alvarez are also on the Gunners’ radar amid their pursuit of forward reinforcements, although the reigning Premier League champions are also keen to bolster their options in midfield.

We understand that Newcastle star Sandro Tonali had been identified as a possible signing earlier this year, but arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur are pushing to land the Italy international and as first reported by The Daily Mail, Arsenal now want Guimaraes.

Arsenal have held initial talks with the 28-year-old’s representatives ahead of a potential bid, and Newcastle have already rejected an opening bid worth less than €70m for their captain.

Guimaraes is yet to express any desire to leave Newcastle, but with his current deal due to expire in 2028 and Arsenal ready to push for his signature, it’s understood that a transfer could potentially be on the cards.

However, the Magpies are unlikely to be forced into a deal if the conditions aren’t correct as they appear to be in a strong financial position thanks to the sale of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for €80 million and the possible exit of Tonali to Tottenham.

Despite this, Arsenal may have a secret weapon in their bid to land Guimaraes.

© IMAGO - Arsenal want to sign Bruno Guimaraes

Arsenal’s secret weapon in Bruno Guimaraes race

Reports have indicated that Declan Rice is attempting to convince the aforementioned Rogers to join Arsenal while on England duty at the World Cup, and Gabriel Magalhaes could play a similar role with Guimaraes.

They are both key players for Brazil and after their 3-0 win over Scotland on Wednesday, which confirmed top spot in Group C, Guimaraes posted a picture of the pair of them on an Instagram Story with the caption: “Big Gabi.”

That is Gabriel’s nickname and the post suggests Guimaraes is close friends with the Arsenal man, which could play into the Gunners’ hands as they look to finalise an agreement to lure him away from Newcastle.

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