Arsenal are reportedly nearing a full agreement with Newcastle to sign Bruno Guimaraes after reaching a breakthrough in negotiations. The two clubs have been discussing the financial details of the proposed move in recent days, with Arsenal seeing their intial offer rebuffed. However, it now seems that a deal to bring the midfielder to the Emirates Stadium is within touching distance.
A “total agreement” is on the verge of being struck at club level, according to The Athletic, who say there is a “strong desire” from all parties to bring the situation to a close. The report adds that Guimaraes is awaiting permission to travel to north London and undergo a medical with the Gunners.
He is currently in La Manga with the rest of the Newcastle squad, having flown out to join their pre-season training camp on Monday.
Guimaraes reportedly underlined his desire to join Arsenal shortly after arriving in the Spanish region. He initially told Newcastle chiefs that he wanted to leave the club this summer at the start of July.
He currently has two years remaining on his contract at St James’ Park and is reported to be earning around £160,000 per week.
The playmaker’s deal previously included a release clause worth around £100million, but it expired two years ago without any takers.
If the move is confirmed over the coming days, Guimaraes will become the third high-profile player to leave Newcastle in a matter of weeks.
Earlier in the window, they sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona in a deal worth around £75m before accepting a £100m bid from Tottenham for the services of Sandro Tonali.
Last week, it was reported that a key reason behind Eddie Howe’s decision to step down as Newcastle manager was because he thought Guimaraes would eventually be sold.
He now looks set to become Arsenal‘s fourth senior signing of the summer window, joining defender Piero Hincapie, winger Christos Tzolis and free agent goalkeeper Illan Meslier at the Emirates Stadium.