Arsenal are increasingly confident of completing the signing of Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes, with the Brazil midfielder keen to make the move to the Premier League champions.
The Gunners have tracked Guimaraes throughout the summer and, according to multiple reports, optimism is growing that a deal can be agreed.
Arsenal are expected to improve on their £70million offer, with a package worth around £80m likely to be enough to secure the 28-year-old’s signature.
Guimaraes is due back for Newcastle training in the coming days, although the Magpies insist formal negotiations between the clubs have yet to take place.
Arsenal prepared to spend after Rogers snub
Arsenal’s pursuit of the midfielder comes after they walked away from a move for Morgan Rogers.
The North London club valued the England international at £80m and chose not to match Chelsea’s eventual £117m deal, instead turning their focus towards Guimaraes.
Newcastle, meanwhile, face the prospect of another major departure during a turbulent summer. Sandro Tonali has already joined Tottenham, while Anthony Gordon has completed a move to Barcelona.
The uncertainty comes just days after Eddie Howe stepped down as Newcastle head coach following five years in charge.
Saudi Pro League-winning coach Matthias Jaissle is expected to succeed him, with the club now facing the challenge of rebuilding ahead of the new season while trying to retain one of their most influential players.
