Newcastle United are on the verge of finalising a £75 million deal with Arsenal for captain Bruno Guimaraes, bringing an end to a protracted transfer saga. The Magpies have agreed to the sale after high-level talks with the Premier League champions, with the move expected to be an amicable split.
Bruno reported to Newcastle's training camp in La Manga on Monday and has held discussions with club officials and incoming manager Matthias Jaissle. However, the club captain has remained adamant about his desire to join Arsenal and secure a lucrative contract in London.
Club stance and player's wish
Newcastle's position has consistently been that they do not want to sell their captain, but they also value players who are fully committed to the club. Bruno declined to discuss a new contract, making it clear he wanted to move to North London.
The transfer fee is expected to exceed £75 million, with the 28-year-old Brazil international set to become the most expensive midfielder in world football for his age group. Chronicle Live understands the fee will be paid in full upfront with no add-ons.
Deal details and negotiations
The move will be completed if Arsenal meet all the demands set this week, following an initial lowball offer. Newcastle sources have stressed that no medical was scheduled for Monday, and only in the last 24 hours has the deal progressed positively.
Market experts valued Bruno at £60 million, but Newcastle believe they have secured a good price for the former Lyon star, who cost them £38 million four years ago. The guaranteed £75 million allows the club to reinvest quickly in the squad.
Replacement plans and avoiding past issues
Newcastle have already identified several replacements, knowing they need to add experience to Jaissle's squad to fill the void left by their captain's departure. The club wanted to resolve Bruno's future before Jaissle fully settles into his role, especially after the previous summer was disrupted by Alexander Isak's £125 million exit to Liverpool, which dominated 16 press conferences under former boss Eddie Howe.
Arsenal's willingness to negotiate directly with Newcastle emerged this week, after initially working through intermediaries, which frustrated the fanbase. Verbal offers were rejected, with Arsenal's first formal bid of £45 million plus £10 million in add-ons being swiftly turned down. Newcastle managed to drive the price up by another £30 million, with Arsenal effectively bidding against themselves.
While the final fee falls short of the £80 million Newcastle had hoped for, those at St James' Park concluded it was the best achievable in the market and decided to accept the Gunners' offer.
CEO David Hopkinson said 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' exit was not initially planned for this summer, unlike the expected sales of Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon.
