Arsenal are set to sign Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes for £75 million after an agreement was brokered between the two Premier League clubs. The Magpies are reluctantly prepared to reach terms with the Brazilian for an amicable separation following high-level discussions.
Transfer details and player stance
Guimaraes reported to United's training camp in La Manga on Monday and has held meetings with club officials and incoming manager Matthias Jaissle. However, the skipper has repeatedly made clear his desire to pursue a switch to London and secure a lucrative contract with Arsenal.
Newcastle's position has consistently been that they are reluctant to part with their captain. Nevertheless, they also require players who are dedicated to the club. Bruno refused to enter negotiations over a new contract and his decision was that he wanted the transfer to north London.
Fee and market context
Newcastle are expected to receive a fee exceeding £75m for the Brazil international, and the player, who will turn 29 in November, will become the most expensive midfielder in history for his age category. The transfer fee will be settled upfront in its entirety with no add-ons.
The transfer will proceed if Arsenal satisfy all of the requirements presented to them this week after initially undervaluing the Magpies. Newcastle sources have emphasised that a medical was never arranged on Monday and only within the past 24 hours has the deal achieved any form of positive progress.
Club statements and background
Newcastle CEO David Hopkinson stated earlier this year: "If an Isak-like scenario presents itself again, any player under contract is going to leave on our terms. We're going to maximise the opportunity that might represent for the club."
Guimaraes' departure had not been expected by the club this summer, in contrast to the expected sales of Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon. Valued at £60m by numerous market analysts, Newcastle believe they have secured a healthy return on the former Lyon star, who cost them £38m four years ago.
Replacement plans and transfer process
Several potential replacements have already been earmarked, with Newcastle fully aware of the need to immediately bring experience into Jaissle's ranks to compensate for the void left by their skipper's departure. Newcastle were also eager to draw a line under the Bruno situation before Jaissle beds into the role, having watched former boss Eddie Howe field 16 press conferences dealing with Alexander Isak questions ahead of his agonising £125m exit to Liverpool.
The Magpies were determined to avoid a repeat of that drawn-out affair, which derailed the previous summer's transfer window. Prior to Monday, when the first formal offer was promptly rejected, Arsenal had operated solely through intermediaries. It is understood that a string of verbal proposals were dismissed and that Arsenal's initial valuation and opening bid for Guimaraes was a meagre £45m with £10m in add-ons.
Since then, Newcastle have pushed the price up by a further £30m in a deal where Arsenal were essentially bidding against themselves in a one-horse race. While the ultimate price tag will come up short of the £80m they had initially targeted, those at St James' Park have determined that this represents the best offer they can secure in the current market and have opted to finalise an agreement with the Gunners.
