Arsenal are stepping up their pursuit of Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes, with reports suggesting a £65m offer could be enough to tempt the Magpies into selling. The Gunners have already seen a £45m bid rejected for the 28-year-old Brazilian, who is a top target for manager Mikel Arteta as he looks to strengthen his midfield.
Guimaraes’ World Cup campaign ended in heartbreak on Sunday as Brazil were eliminated by Norway, with the midfielder missing a penalty in the 2-1 defeat. With his international commitments now over, he is expected to focus on resolving his club future, potentially accelerating a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal have a transfer budget of £250m this summer, handed to sporting director Andrea Berta, as they aim to retain the Premier League title and challenge for the Champions League. A new midfielder and left winger are priorities, while defensive reinforcements are also on the agenda.
In addition to midfield, Arsenal are considering a move for former Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The 28-year-old, who impressed for DR Congo at the World Cup, is open to a transfer after suffering relegation with West Ham United. He is one of 11 right-backs on Arsenal’s shortlist should Ben White leave the club.
White has fallen down the pecking order since Jurrien Timber’s emergence and has been linked with a departure. Other right-back targets include Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa, Newcastle’s Tino Livramento, and Barcelona’s Jules Kounde.
