Arsenal have received a significant boost in their pursuit of Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes, with reports suggesting the player's camp has given the green light for a deal. The Gunners, long-time admirers of the Brazilian midfielder, saw an initial £55 million bid rejected earlier this week but are now preparing a second offer worth around £80 million.
Arsenal's Transfer Activity
According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal have held extensive talks with Guimaraes' representatives in recent weeks and received 'all the encouragement they need' regarding their transfer ambitions. FootballTransfers also claim that Guimaraes' team have given the 'green light' for Arsenal to push for a deal with Newcastle. The 28-year-old is currently away at the World Cup with Brazil and has no plans to sign a new contract with the Magpies, who insist they want to keep him.
In addition to Guimaraes, Arsenal are planning a move for Morgan Rogers, according to Teamtalk, and have learned how much the forward will cost. The Gunners are also wrapping up the signing of wonderkid Jeremy Monga and pursuing other targets including Julian Alvarez, Eli Junior Kroupi, Emmanuel Mbemba, and Andria Bartishvili.
Chelsea's Surprise Interest in Xhaka
Chelsea have taken Sunderland by surprise by making Granit Xhaka a summer transfer target. Standard Sport understands that the Blues are interested in signing the Swiss midfielder, who is keen on a move to Stamford Bridge. Xhaka, the former Arsenal captain, would be open to a reunion with Xabi Alonso at Chelsea. The Blues have also stepped up their interest in Maxence Lacroix and are preparing to welcome Marco Palestra following a medical.
Manchester United's Pursuit of Fernandes
Manchester United have moved ahead of Tottenham in the race to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United, according to Nico Schira. Despite a lucrative offer from Spurs, United are currently leading the pursuit, with talks ongoing. Real Madrid have also requested information on Fernandes, but Jose Mourinho's priority midfield target remains Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea. United have also looked at Sandro Tonali, Alex Scott, Felix Nmecha, Aurelien Tchouameni, Adam Wharton, and Carlos Baleba.
Other Transfer News
Brighton are set to sign Pascal Struijk from Leeds for £20 million, according to The Athletic, as Fabian Hurzeler's men replace Jan Paul van Hecke with another Dutchman. Paris Saint-Germain are close to an agreement for Maghnes Akliouche, but need to wait for Kang-In Lee to depart for Atletico Madrid before completing the transfer. Manchester United's Chido Obi is set to join FC Koln on a season-long loan, while Liverpool have made an enquiry about Bruno Guimaraes but are not actively pursuing a deal.
