Arsenal make huge Bruno Guimaraes decision after verbal offer was rejected

Updated: 27 Jun 2026 06:51 BST | 5 min read

Matthew Judge | Editor

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Arsenal are ready to make a second approach for Bruno Guimaraes after their opening offer was rejected by Newcastle United, according to the Daily Mail.

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Widespread reports have indicated the Gunners are keen to strengthen their midfield ahead of the 2026-27 season, with a host of names being linked.

The Times understands Arsenal are keen on Lille’s teen sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi and West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes, while L’Equipe claims Roma ace Manu Kone is also on their shortlist.

STATS

Bruno Guimarães

M, DM (C)

Newcastle

Bruno Guimarães

M, DM (C)

Newcastle

41

Games
9

Goals
7

Assists

However, The Athletic reported earlier in the week that Arsenal made a verbal offer below €69.5million (£60m) for Newcastle star Guimaraes.

The same publication understands the offer was made through intermediaries and was immediately rejected by Newcastle, who insist their captain is not for sale this summer.

But the Mail claims Arsenal are not prepared to back down in their pursuit of Guimaraes and are plotting a second bid for the 28-year-old, who is currently at the World Cup with Brazil.

Guimaraes has established himself as one of the Premier League’s best central midfielders since joining Newcastle from Lyon in 2022, scoring 31 goals in 195 appearances.

He also played a huge role in the Magpies ending their 70-year wait to win a domestic trophy with victory over Liverpool in the 2025 Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium.

Guimaraes, who turns 29 in November, has just two years left on his contract at St. James’ Park, though the Mail understands he is not currently agitating for a move.

Arsenal also keen on Guimaraes' team-mate Tonali

BBC Sport understands Guimaraes’ age is likely to play a factor in how much Arsenal are willing to pay for him, with the same outlet claiming Mikel Arteta’s side are also interested in his Newcastle team-mate Sandro Tonali.

Tonali, who turned 26 last month, is a long-standing target for the north Londoners but Newcastle’s reported €115m (£100m) valuation is thought to be problematic.

STATS

Sandro Tonali

DM, M (C)

Newcastle

Sandro Tonali

DM, M (C)

Newcastle

53

Games
3

Goals
6

Assists

BBC Sport reported earlier in the month that Arsenal’s fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur had a bid of around €92m (£80m) turned down for Tonali, who is also admired by Manchester City.

Like Guimaraes, Tonali is regarded as one of the Premier League’s best midfielders, having scored 10 goals in 110 appearances for Eddie Howe’s side.

Newcastle are in a strong position regarding Tonali, who is contracted until 2030 after the Italy international signed new terms during his 10-month betting ban.

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Read more about: Serie A Ligue 1 Premier League Arsenal Lille Man City Newcastle Roma Tottenham West Ham Ayyoub Bouaddi Bruno Guimaraes Manu Kone Mateus Fernandes Sandro Tonali