Arsenal close in on Bruno Guimarães after €90m bid forces Newcastle breakthrough

Arsenal are on the verge of completing the signing of Bruno Guimarães after significantly increasing their offer for the Newcastle United captain.

The Gunners have reportedly submitted a €90 million bid excluding bonuses, bringing them closer than ever to securing one of their priority midfield targets. While some financial details remain to be finalised, negotiations are now said to be entering their final stages.

The Brazil international has already agreed personal terms with Arsenal and is eager to complete the move before the new season begins.

Arsenal's pursuit of Guimarães has gathered momentum after weeks of negotiations with Newcastle.

The Premier League champions initially saw offers of €70 million and €80 million rejected, with Newcastle holding out for a package close to €100 million.

Their latest proposal of €90 million, with performance-related bonuses still to be negotiated, has reportedly convinced Newcastle to continue discussions over a final agreement.

Agent commissions are also among the remaining details to be resolved before the transfer can be completed.

The 28-year-old is understood to have informed Newcastle of his desire to leave earlier this summer.

With the Magpies failing to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, Guimarães has reportedly prioritised a move to Arsenal, where he would have the opportunity to compete at Europe's highest level.

The Brazilian international has become one of Carlo Ancelotti's key midfield players for the national team and is believed to have agreed a contract at the Emirates Stadium running until 2031.

Newcastle have already prepared for his potential departure by signing midfielder Aladji Bamba from AS Monaco, while the recent departure of manager Eddie Howe has further accelerated speculation surrounding the captain's future.

The proposed deal could also provide a financial boost for Lyon.

The French club sold Guimarães to Newcastle in 2022 for a package worth around €50 million, while retaining a 20% sell-on clause based on any future profit.

If Arsenal complete the transfer for around €90 million, Lyon are expected to receive more than €8 million, providing a welcome injection of funds.

Arsenal and Newcastle are expected to continue talks over the remaining financial details in the coming days. If an agreement is reached on bonuses and commissions, Guimarães is expected to undergo a medical before completing one of the Premier League's biggest transfers of the summer.