Arsenal ready bigger Bruno Guimarães bid as Newcastle concern grows

Arsenal's pursuit of Bruno Guimarães is reportedly gathering momentum, with Newcastle United becoming increasingly concerned the midfielder could be tempted by a move to the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta is determined to strengthen his midfield this summer and the Newcastle captain has emerged as one of the club's leading targets.

While no formal offer has yet been submitted, discussions behind the scenes are continuing.

According to reports, Arsenal recently held initial talks with Guimarães' representatives to assess whether a summer transfer could be possible.

The Gunners are then believed to have made an informal proposal worth around £55 million, although Newcastle immediately rejected the approach.

Despite that, the latest reports suggest Arsenal remain encouraged by the player's side and now believe a package worth around £65 million could test Newcastle's resolve.

Club-to-club negotiations have not yet started.

The Chronicle reports Newcastle are becoming increasingly wary that Arsenal's pursuit could eventually influence Guimarães' thinking.

Club officials reportedly fear a situation similar to Alexander Isak's departure, when Liverpool's interest ultimately led to the striker pushing for a move away.

There is no indication Guimarães has reached that stage.

The Brazil international has never publicly expressed a desire to leave St James' Park and remains fully focused on the World Cup.

However, his representatives are understood to have been discussing his long-term future while the tournament continues.

Guimarães currently has two years remaining on his Newcastle contract.

At present, there is no indication that negotiations over a contract extension are close to reaching an agreement.

That naturally leaves the door open for speculation, although Newcastle remain under no immediate pressure to sell their captain.

Allowing Guimarães to leave would represent a major decision. The Brazilian remains one of the club's most influential players both on and off the pitch, while reports also continue linking Sandro Tonali with Tottenham Hotspur. Losing both midfielders in the same transfer window would significantly weaken one of Newcastle's strongest areas, making Arsenal's pursuit particularly difficult despite the reported valuation.

Arsenal must now decide whether to formalise their interest with an official bid, while Newcastle will hope their captain remains fully committed after the World Cup. Unless negotiations accelerate, Guimarães' future is likely to remain one of the Premier League's biggest transfer stories in the coming weeks.

Can Arsenal convince Newcastle to part with Bruno Guimarães this summer?