Newcastle United are ready to reject Arsenal's new £70 million bid for Bruno Guimaraes, according to reports. The Brazil international has already agreed a deal to join Arsenal and has told Newcastle that he wants to join Mikel Arteta's side this summer.
Newcastle frustrated by Arsenal's approach
However, Newcastle have grown frustrated over Arsenal's lack of direct talks to discuss a deal for their captain. Arsenal's opening bid of £55 million, which was communicated through intermediaries, was turned down by Newcastle last month.
According to the BBC, Arsenal are now set to submit an improved £70m offer for Guimaraes and negotiations are said to have 'accelerated in recent days'.
Newcastle sources label offer a 'non starter'
However, Chronicle Live reports that Newcastle sources regard Arsenal's £70m offer as a 'non starter'. The report adds that Newcastle are 'irritated by Arsenal's approach' and will demand a £100m transfer fee if Guimaraes hands in a transfer request.
Guimaraes registered four assists for Brazil at the World Cup this summer and is now expected to report back for Newcastle's pre-season training ahead of their boot camp in La Manga.
Newcastle's summer sales
Newcastle have already sold Sandro Tonali to Tottenham in a deal that could rise to £100m, while Anthony Gordon sealed his £69.3m to Barcelona before the start of the World Cup.
Speaking earlier this month, Guimaraes' former teammate at Newcastle, Emil Krafth, highlighted the importance of the midfielder to Eddie Howe's side. 'He's the most important player in the team,' Krafth told the BBC. 'He manages the game so well, both physically and technically. I hope they can keep him. There's a lot of rumours surrounding him, which is not surprising because he's had a good World Cup and a great season.'
