Arsenal expected to bid more than £70m for midfielder next week

Arsenal are expected to return with a new bid of more than £70m for Bruno Guimaraes next week, having already agreed personal terms with the player.

Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal are expected to return to the negotiating table next week for Bruno Guimaraes. The Gunners are expected to hold direct negotiations with Newcastle United, and their last bid of £70m is expected to be improved.

Whether a deal can be reached will depend on Newcastle’s decision on an acceptable price, and whether they’re willing to sell at all.

Romano adds that Guimaraes has already agreed personal terms with Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta pushing for the signing.

Meanwhile, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has spoken about Guimaraes’ situation for the first time this summer, though he suggested it’s ultimately not his call what happens.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen with his future, that’s for other people to speculate about,” Howe said. “There’s conversations I’m not part of.

“He’s captain of our club and been an unbelievable player, through the whole time we have worked together. I speak on behalf of everyone at the club, we absolutely love him and of course everyone would love him to stay.

“He’s due back on the 31st, and there’s nothing to say he won’t be back.”

With Newcastle expecting the midfielder back on July 31st, this is obviously a key week for Arsenal’s pursuit. As hesitant as Newcastle already are to sell their captain, their reluctance is only likely to increase the longer the summer goes on.

Once the player is back in training, taking part in pre-season, and the competitive season is drawing closer, losing him with less time to replace becomes a more significant issue.

On the other side, Arsenal will want to have Guimaraes involved in training as soon as he possibly can be. So there’s plenty of incentive for both clubs to sort things out one way or another over the next few days.

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