Newcastle have rejected Arsenal's opening bid for Bruno Guimaraes.
A transfer saga that has dragged on all summer appears to be nearing a conclusion with the two clubs now in direct communication over a deal for the Brazil international.
Valuation gap remains
As previously reported by Standard Sport, Arsenal have largely been dealing with intermediaries, who encouraged them earlier in the window that a move for Guimaraes would be possible. However, the Press Association understands that the Gunners have seen their first offer for the Newcastle captain turned down as it is understood there is still some distance between the parties in the valuation of the 28-year-old.
Despite this, the report states that Arsenal are unlikely to be deterred in their attempts to bring Guimaraes to north London, particularly as the midfielder has indicated he wants to join the Premier League champions.
Newcastle's conditions
Crucially, the Magpies are prepared to give the transfer the green light - but only on the condition that their terms are met, with a bid of around £75million to £80m likely to get a deal done.
Unlike a year ago when Alexander Isak went on strike to force through a British record switch to Liverpool, Guimaraes is not expected to go down that route as he was due to meet up with his Newcastle team-mates at a pre-season training camp in La Manga on Monday. He was due to join the rest of the squad on Sunday, having had an extended break after playing for Brazil at the World Cup 2026, although the club were happy for him to arrive 24 hours later.
Newcastle's summer of change
It has been a difficult summer for Newcastle having lost Anthony Gordon to Barcelona and Sandro Tonali to Tottenham, in addition to the shock departure of head coach Eddie Howe.
That said, Newcastle have managed to bolster their first-team squad with Lukas Hornicek, on Monday, becoming their fifth summer signing, joining fellow goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen, winger Bazoumana Toure and midfield pair Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba.
Youngster heads to Newcastle
Furthermore, while Guimaraes is expected to be leaving Newcastle for Arsenal this summer, one highly-rated youngster is heading in the opposite direction. 16-year-old winger Kyran Thompson - who had been strongly linked with Tottenham - has moved to St James' Park after leaving the Gunners.
“Thank you for everything. @Arsenal,” Thompson wrote on Instagram before his Newcastle deal was confirmed.
