Arsenal has reached an agreement with Newcastle United for the transfer of midfielder Bruno Guimarães, according to reports from L'Equipe. The Premier League club increased its offer to a base fee of €90 million, plus performance-related bonuses, after initial bids of €70 million and €80 million were rejected.
Guimarães, 28, has reportedly agreed to personal terms on a long-term contract through 2031. He has expressed a desire to move to North London for over a month, seeking to play in the Champions League under Mikel Arteta.
To facilitate the transfer, Guimarães has requested that Newcastle delay his departure for their pre-season training camp. While Newcastle has stated his schedule was flexible, sources close to the player confirm his travel plans were altered to finalize the move. The Brazilian international informed Newcastle's hierarchy and former manager Eddie Howe of his wish to leave St. James' Park, citing the club's failure to qualify for the Champions League.
His impending departure marks another significant player exit for Newcastle this summer. The club has also seen Sandro Tonali move to Tottenham Hotspur and Anthony Gordon to Barcelona, coinciding with Eddie Howe's recent resignation as manager.
Newcastle had anticipated Guimarães' exit by signing Aladji Bamba from Monaco. His former club, Lyon, stands to benefit from a 20% sell-on clause, potentially receiving over €8 million from the final transfer fee.
The Magpies face a substantial rebuilding task with a depleted squad ahead of the upcoming season. The club must integrate new signings and reconfigure its midfield options following the loss of key players.
With final details regarding bonus structures and agent fees nearing completion, Arsenal anticipates finalizing the transfer in the coming days. Guimarães is expected to undergo a medical examination before joining his new teammates.