Arsenal told exactly what needs to happen in order to sign Bruno Guimaraes

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Matthew Judge | Editor

Arsenal will have to bid up to €117million (£100m) to tempt Newcastle United into selling Bruno Guimaraes, according to The Telegraph.

Widespread reports understand Arsenal have made Guimaraes their top target as they look to strengthen their midfield this summer.

But the Telegraph claims Newcastle will only contemplate a sale if they collect a similar fee to the one they received for Sandro Tonali.

Tonali ended his three-year association with the Magpies when joining Tottenham Hotspur in a deal worth up to €117m (£100m) on 6 July.

The Times reported on Tuesday that Arsenal have opened formal discussions with Newcastle over a move for Guimaraes.

The Premier League champions had previously intimated they would be willing to pay around €70m (£60m) for the Brazil international.

However, the verbal offer was made through intermediaries and not via direct talks with Newcastle, who rebuffed the approach.

BBC Sport reported on Thursday that Arsenal were preparing to launch an improved €82m (£70m) bid for Guimaraes.

But The Times understands Newcastle will turn down the offer as they continue to insist their 28-year-old captain is not for sale.

Various sources claim Eddie Howe’s side are unwilling to sanction a third major sale following the departures of Tonali and Anthony Gordon.

England winger Gordon left Newcastle for Barcelona in an €80m (£70m) deal at the end of May.

Guimaraes is a modern-day Newcastle legend

Guimaraes has developed a reputation as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League since joining Newcastle from Lyon in January 2022.

He has scored 31 goals in 195 appearances for the Toon and helped them win their first domestic trophy for 70 years with victory over Liverpool in the 2025 Carabao Cup final.

Guimaraes, who represented Brazil at this summer’s World Cup, turns 29 in November - something BBC Sport claims will affect Arsenal’s valuation.

The Athletic claims the Gunners want to reduce the workload on Declan Rice by signing a flexible midfielder who - like the England star - can operate as a No. 6 and a No. 8.

Rice featured in seven of England’s eight World Cup fixtures this summer, while the 27-year-old made 55 appearances for Arsenal last season.

Arsenal have been linked with other midfielders including Lille’s teen sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi and Bournemouth star Alex Scott.

The north London club have so far signed Illan Meslier and Christos Tzolis ahead of the 2026-27 season, while Piero Hincapie turned his loan move into a permanent transfer.

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