According to the Athletic, Arsenal are stepping up their pursuit of the Brazil international and have indicated a willingness of how much they will pay for the midfielder.

Guimaraes has two years left on his contract at St James’ Park, having signed a five-year extension in October 2023.

That deal was said to have had a temporary £100million release clause inserted, but it expired in June 2024 without being exercised and now the Premier League champions are willing to offer a package worth £60m.

The report also states that there has been no club-to-club contact so far, with the Magpies currently maintaining their stance of not entertaining any bids for Guimaraes.

Newcastle have already recouped nearly £200m this summer already after selling Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £69.3m and Sandro Tonali to Tottenham in a deal worth up to £100m.

The Gunners are now likely to formalise their interest in signing the 28-year-old this summer.

Bruno Guimaraes

Standard Sport

Arsenal have been handed a boost to get a deal done for Guimaraes - and earlier than expected.

Brazil's pain could be Arsenal's gain with Guimaraes now free to sort out his future.