Arsenal are pushing to make Bruno Guimarães the statement signing of their title defence, but Newcastle are still making them fight for every penny.

Mikel Arteta has admired the Brazilian for years.

The Gunners reportedly explored a move while Guimarães was at Lyon, only for Newcastle to win the race and bring him to England for around £42 million in January 2022.

That decision transformed both player and club.

Guimarães quickly became the heartbeat of Eddie Howe’s midfield, mixing bite and aggression with the confidence to demand possession in dangerous areas.

He was eventually handed the captaincy and delivered Newcastle’s biggest moment for generations, lifting the Carabao Cup after victory over Liverpool in 2025.

Last season was difficult for Newcastle, but Guimarães still carried a major burden. He made 39 appearances and scored nine goals across all competitions, the best scoring return of his career in England.

Newcastle finished 12th and missed out on Europe, leaving their squad vulnerable to a summer breakup.

Sandro Tonali has joined Tottenham for £100 million, while Anthony Gordon has also moved on to Barcelona. Howe then resigned after a breakdown in his relationship with the club’s hierarchy, with Matthias Jaissle poised to replace him.

Losing Guimarães as well would strip another leader from a side already facing a huge rebuild.

Arsenal, however, see an opportunity.

Guimarães would bring proven quality, personality and strength to a midfield already containing Declan Rice, Martín Zubimendi and Martin Ødegaard.

He can operate at the base of midfield, play as an aggressive number eight or push higher when Arsenal need another runner around the penalty area.

The pursuit became serious in June when Arsenal made a formal approach worth around £55 million via intermediaries. Newcastle rejected it immediately and insisted they did not want to sell their captain.

That stance has slowly weakened.

Guimarães has reportedly agreed personal terms and made it clear that he wants the move, although he has tried to avoid damaging his relationship with Newcastle.

Arsenal have remained patient, convinced that the player’s desire and Newcastle’s changing circumstances can eventually unlock the deal.

The final price remains the main problem.

The Times reports that Newcastle have now rejected a £75 million bid. Arsenal are expected to return, with the Magpies believed to want more than £80 million before giving their approval.

Other reports have suggested an agreement in principle could eventually reach that figure and that Arsenal have already started planning for a medical.

But the deal is not done yet.

When Bruno Guimaraes' agents think Arsenal will finally agree Newcastle deal

Brazilian journalist Raisa Simplicio now reports that negotiations remain active between Arsenal and Newcastle.

According to Simplicio, Guimarães’ representatives are optimistic that a final breakthrough can be reached 'today', making the coming hours potentially decisive.

That update fits with Fabrizio Romano’s claim that Arsenal remain confident and are maintaining direct contact with Newcastle, while Guimarães is understood to be waiting for permission to travel once the clubs finally shake hands.

This is the chance for Arsenal to add another proven Premier League leader to a title-winning squad, while Newcastle are refusing to lose their captain cheaply after already watching major figures leave.

The finish line is close, but Arsenal still need one final push before Guimarães can swap black and white for red and white.