Exclusive: Bruno Guimaraes gives blessing to Arsenal switch

Updated: 27 Jun 2026 05:36 CDT | 4 min read

Matthew Judge | Editor

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Bruno Guimaraes has given Arsenal permission to continue discussing a possible transfer with Newcastle United through intermediaries, FootballTransfers can exclusively reveal.

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The Athletic reported earlier in the week that the Gunners made a verbal offer - via representatives involved in negotiations - below €69.5million (£60m) for Guimaraes, which was rejected by Newcastle.

And now FootballTransfers can exclusively reveal the bid came about after Guimaraes gave Arsenal the green light to explore a deal.

STATS

Bruno Guimarães

M, DM (C)

Newcastle

Bruno Guimarães

M, DM (C)

Newcastle

41

Games
9

Goals
7

Assists

FootballTransfers understands Arsenal never approach a club regarding a potential transfer unless they have spoken to the player involved first.

The news comes after the Daily Mail reported on Friday that Arsenal are weighing up a second offer for Guimaraes, 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 ending the Magpies’ 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 Newcastle are not currently entertaining offers for him.

BBC Sport claims 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 also admire his Newcastle team-mate Sandro Tonali.

STATS

Sandro Tonali

DM, M (C)

Newcastle

Sandro Tonali

DM, M (C)

Newcastle

53

Games
3

Goals
6

Assists

FootballTransfers reported in February that Tonali, who turned 26 last month, is a long-standing target for the north Londoners.

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 being pursued by Manchester City.

Arsenal not currently preparing bid for Bournemouth star Scott

FootballTransfers also understands Arsenal are not inclined to make a bid for Alex Scott, despite holding the Bournemouth midfielder in high regard.

The Athletic reported earlier in June that Arsenal have added Scott to their shortlist of targets, with the 22-year-old believed to be valued at €92m (£80m) by Bournemouth.

Like Guimaraes, Scott is regarded as one of the Premier League’s best midfielders after helping the Cherries qualify for next season’s Europa League following a sixth-place finish in 2025-26.

STATS

Alex Scott

M, DM (C)

B'mouth

Alex Scott

M, DM (C)

B'mouth

39

Games
4

Goals
1

Assists

However, FootballTransfers understands Arsenal are not currently preparing a bid for Scott, who Bournemouth are desperate to keep hold of this summer, according to The Athletic.