Ornstein: Arsenal ‘total’ Bruno Guimaraes agreement with Newcastle ‘nearing’

David Ornstein reports Arsenal and Newcastle are close to a full agreement, with Bruno Guimaraes waiting for permission to undergo his medical.

Arsenal are on the verge of completing the signing of Bruno Guimaraes, with David Ornstein reporting that a full agreement with Newcastle United is now close after negotiations gathered pace.

Writing for The Athletic, Ornstein said: “There is now, however, a desire among all parties to bring the situation to a close and a deal is on course for completion. Guimaraes is awaiting permission to undergo a medical and seal a move to north London.”

The update marks a significant breakthrough in Arsenal’s pursuit of one of their priority midfield targets, with the clubs now understood to be working through the final details of the transfer.

Earlier on Monday, Newcastle rejected Arsenal’s opening formal offer for the Brazil international.

Despite that setback, there has been growing confidence throughout negotiations that an agreement would ultimately be reached, with sources on both sides expecting the move to go ahead.

Guimaraes arrived at Newcastle’s training camp in Spain later that day, posting a photograph from the team’s hotel on his Instagram story, as talks between the two clubs continued.

Newcastle had initially been seeking a fee close to £100 million, but reports now suggest a package worth between £70 million and £80 million is expected to be enough to secure the midfielder’s signature.

The 28-year-old is also believed to have agreed a five-year contract with Arsenal, meaning the focus is entirely on finalising the agreement between the clubs before he undergoes a medical.

Guimaraes’ desire to join Arsenal has been well documented throughout the process and is reported to have contributed to the uncertainty surrounding Newcastle during the summer, with former head coach Eddie Howe also departing the club.

Barring any late complications, Arsenal now appear set to land one of the Premier League’s outstanding midfielders as Mikel Arteta continues to strengthen his title-winning squad ahead of the new season.

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