Arsenal make first official move for Bruno Guimaraes - but nothing changes

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Robin Bairner | Chief Editor

Accredited football journalist and editor covering the game since 2006

Newcastle United are set to reject an €82million (£70m) bid from Arsenal for captain Bruno Guimaraes, according to The Times.

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

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

STATS

Bruno Guimarães

M, DM (C)

Newcastle

Bruno Guimarães

M, DM (C)

Newcastle

All Tournaments

2025/26

• 41

  Games

• 9

  Goals

• 7

  Assists

View all stats

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 bid to sign Brazil international Guimaraes.

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

Various sources claim the Magpies are unwilling to sanction a third major sale following the departures of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali.

Gordon joined Barcelona for €80m (£70m) in May and Tonali moved to Tottenham Hotspur for a package worth up to €117m (£100m) this month.

Guimaraes has become a modern-day legend at Newcastle

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 Magpies 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 Arsenal 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.

Mikel Arteta's side have so far signed Piero Hincapie, Illan Meslier and Christos Tzolis as they prepare to defend their Premier League crown in 2026-27.