Arsenal prepare Bruno Guimarães talks as Newcastle set £80m price

Arsenal are expected to step up their pursuit of Bruno Guimarães in the coming days, with club-to-club talks with Newcastle United anticipated as the Gunners push to sign one of their top summer targets.

The Brazil international has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium after positive discussions between Arsenal and the midfielder's representatives, although Newcastle remain determined to keep hold of their captain.

With Guimarães due to return from his summer break this weekend, his future could soon become one of the biggest stories of the transfer window.

Arsenal have already held talks with Guimarães' camp and are believed to have received encouragement that the midfielder is interested in the move.

The next stage is expected to involve direct negotiations with Newcastle, who have so far not received an official approach from the North London club.

Reports suggest it would take an offer in the region of £80 million before the Magpies would consider entering formal discussions.

Newcastle are reluctant to sanction the departure of one of their most influential players.

Having already sold Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali during the current transfer window, losing Guimarães would represent another significant blow to Eddie Howe's squad ahead of the new season.

Despite reports suggesting the Brazilian has indicated he would like to leave, he has yet to hold face-to-face talks with Howe or Newcastle's senior officials.

Guimarães is currently enjoying the final days of his summer break following Brazil's elimination from the FIFA World Cup earlier this month.

The midfielder is expected to report back for pre-season training next week before Newcastle travel to La Manga for their training camp.

Unless a breakthrough is made before then, Guimarães is expected to join his teammates for preparations ahead of the club's pre-season fixtures.

Arsenal are expected to accelerate negotiations in an attempt to avoid a drawn-out transfer battle.

Newcastle will also be eager to resolve the situation quickly after last summer's prolonged Alexander Isak transfer saga, which disrupted preparations before the striker eventually departed.

Whether Arsenal are willing to meet Newcastle's valuation remains the key question as discussions move closer.

Bruno Guimarães is expected to return to Newcastle for pre-season unless Arsenal make rapid progress in negotiations. Formal talks between the clubs could determine whether the Gunners can agree a deal before Newcastle's preparations for the new campaign gather pace.