Arsenal has stepped up negotiations with Newcastle United to sign midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, with the transfer expected to surpass £75 million, according to reports from talkSPORT and TEAMtalk on July 28, 2026.
The 28-year-old Brazil international, who serves as Newcastle's club captain, has agreed to personal terms in principle with the North London club.
However, the two Premier League sides remain divided on the formal transfer structure and overall valuation.
Arsenal sources indicate three verbal offers have been submitted, including proposals of £55 million and £65 million delivered through intermediaries.
Newcastle continues to maintain publicly that the midfielder is not for sale, though reports suggest an agreement north of £75 million is progressing verbally.
Guimaraes wants his future resolved before returning to Newcastle's pre-season training camp in Spain on July 31, following an extended break after the World Cup.
He does not plan to force a move or strike, intending to remain professional throughout negotiations.
Howe Addresses Speculation
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe commented on the ongoing speculation surrounding his captain's future after a 1-1 pre-season draw against Gateshead.
"I've spoken to Bruno before, during and after the World Cup. We have had some really good conversations.
He's just a fantastic person," Howe said.
Howe acknowledged that decisions regarding potential transfer movements rested outside his immediate control.
"I don't know what's going to happen with his future; that's for other people to speculate about. There's conversations I'm not part of," he added.
The Newcastle manager dismissed comparisons between Guimaraes' situation and previous high-profile squad departures. "I don't think it's fair to compare (to Isak last summer).
You've got to look at it in its own right," Howe said.
He reiterated the club's affection for the midfielder while expecting him back for pre-season duties.
"He's captain of our club and been an unbelievable player, through the whole time we have worked together.
I speak on behalf of everyone at the club; we absolutely love him, and of course everyone would love him to stay," Howe said.
Howe confirmed the scheduled arrival date for the midfielder's return: "He's due back on the 31st (of July), and there's nothing to say he won't be back."
Former Newcastle manager Alan Pardew shared his perspective on the ongoing transfer situation during a broadcast appearance. "It will be a massive loss for them," Pardew said.
Pardew suggested that the player's long-term focus had already shifted away from St. James' Park. "I think his love has gone.
I can't see him staying there and being the same player, so I think it's going to be a question of as much money as possible," he said.
He added his view on how the club's leadership will handle the potential transaction: "I think that's where the Newcastle board will sit."
Newcastle faces Bristol City on Wednesday before traveling to Spain for their warm-weather training camp ahead of a friendly match against Valencia.
