Bruno Guimaraes has informed Newcastle of his desire to leave the club and join Arsenal this summer, according to the Athletic.
The Premier League champions are intensifying their pursuit of the Brazil midfielder and are understood to be willing to pay up to £60m for the 28-year-old.
Arsenal had a verbal offer worth less than that figure rejected earlier in the summer and are now considering their next move as they look to strengthen Mikel Arteta’s midfield options.
Newcastle have so far maintained they do not wish to sell Guimaraes and there has been no formal contact between the two clubs.
The midfielder still has two years remaining on the five-year contract extension he signed in October 2023.
That deal included a temporary £100m release clause, although it expired in June 2024 without being triggered.
Newcastle facing another major departure
Guimaraes’ request comes during a summer of significant change at St James’ Park.
Newcastle have already sanctioned the sale of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona in a deal worth £69.3m, while Sandro Tonali has joined Tottenham for a fee that could rise to £100m.
The Brazil international was a key figure for Newcastle last season and was ever-present for his country at the World Cup before their surprise last-16 exit to Norway.
Guimaraes provided four assists during Brazil’s campaign and remains one of the most influential midfielders in the Premier League.
Since arriving from Lyon in January 2022, he has made 153 top-flight appearances for Newcastle, scoring 30 goals and registering 26 assists.
He was also part of the side that ended the club’s long wait for major silverware by winning the Carabao Cup in 2025.
Following that triumph, an emotional Guimaraes spoke of his affection for the club and supporters.
“This is my second home,” he said.
“We are making history. Some day, when I leave this club, I want the fans to sing my name the way they do to Alan Shearer.”
Arsenal view Brazilian as ideal midfield addition
Arsenal have admired Guimaraes for a number of years and view him as an experienced option capable of strengthening their midfield immediately.
The Brazilian can operate alongside Declan Rice or provide cover and competition in a position where Arsenal are keen to add depth following Rice’s heavy workload over the past year.
At 28, Guimaraes would be older than many of Arsenal’s recent signings, but the club are understood to value his leadership qualities and Premier League experience.
The Gunners are also open to offers for several senior players this summer, including Gabriel Jesus, Christian Norgaard and Leandro Trossard, increasing the desire to add proven quality to the squad.
