Arsenal has reportedly stepped up its pursuit of Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes, with fresh reports suggesting the chances of a transfer before the start of the Magpies’ training camp in La Manga are increasing.
The Brazil international is due to return from his extended World Cup break on July 31, a date many believe is a key deadline for bringing the saga to a conclusion, as Bruno joining his teammates and coaches amid this saga might make for an uncomfortable time for everybody involved.
According to ESPN Brasil’s Bruno Andrade, Arsenal has submitted an improved offer worth £75 million, consisting of £70 million guaranteed plus £5 million in bonuses.
Not only that, but ESPN adds that people involved in the negotiations believe “the possibility of an agreement between the clubs is high at this time,” with Arsenal identifying Bruno as a marquee addition and No. 1 target to strengthen Mikel Arteta’s midfield.
ESPN Brasil, however, adds that Guimaraes has no intention of forcing an exit or requesting a transfer despite making it clear he wouldn’t oppose, and favors, a move to the Gunners this summer. It’s believed Bruno has informed Newcastle he’d like a resolution to this saga by July 31.
TEAMtalk also reported progress, confirming ESPN’s claim and stating that Arsenal has, in fact, increased its proposal and is now working toward a package worth more than £75 million.
“Arsenal are intensifying their efforts to sign Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães, with talks advancing towards a potential deal, sources have told TEAMtalk, though the Magpies continue to downplay the prospects of a move being close,“ the report says.
Newcastle’s stance, at least from those covering the club from Tyneside, remains unchanged. Chronicle Live’s Lee Ryder continues to say there has been no formal club-to-club offer, while Newcastle values its captain closer to the £100 million received for Sandro Tonali earlier this summer.
Arsenal, meanwhile, believes the negotiations through intermediaries have moved talks forward and considers those as a formal approach to doing business with Newcastle.
