Arsenal are reportedly close to completing a deal for a mystery centre-back as the Gunners also submit a £75m bid for Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes in the summer transfer window
Arsenal look set to up their transfer dealings as the Premier League season draws closer – despite a transfer hammer blow with Vinicius Jr now looking set to stay at Real Madrid.
However, Arsenal might now be looking to turn their attention to Bruno Guimaraes, who remains a chief target, with the midfielder having been connected to a switch to the Emirates Stadium for more than six weeks now. And with news of Eddie Howe’s departure, it could be closer than ever.
The extensive catalogue of rumoured targets also features Julian Alvarez and a fresh name in striker Matias Fernandez-Pardo, who has allegedly told Lille he wishes to depart the French club. Despite this, Mikel Arteta’s sole acquisitions thus far remain Piero Hincapie’s £34.5million permanent move, Illan Meslier’s signing as a free agent and Christos Tzolis’ £34m acquisition from Club Brugge.
Fresh £75m offer
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Arsenal have allegedly lodged an enhanced proposal for Bruno Guimaraes valued at £75m. Reports last week suggested the Gunners had readied a £70m offer for the Newcastle United midfielder, which was believed to have been turned down. The English title holders are believed to have utilised intermediaries in their discussions with the Magpies, rather than lodging a direct, formal offer.
However, ESPN Brazil has reported that Arsenal have now tabled a proposal comprising a guaranteed sum of £70m, plus an additional £5m in bonuses and add-ons. The report suggests this bid falls short of Newcastle’s valuation of their skipper. Nevertheless, the report indicates that the chances of reaching an agreement are high, with negotiations expected to advance this week.
Guimaraes has reportedly informed Newcastle management of his desire to depart if a deal is struck with Arsenal, viewing the north London outfit as a significant step forward in his career. Importantly, the 28 year old will not attempt to engineer a move away from St James’ Park if the two clubs fail to agree on a fee, reports the Mirror.
Signing before Bruno Guimaraes deal
ESPN also reports that Arsenal are nearing the completion of a centre-back signing. The outlet disclosed on its YouTube channel that discussions concerning an undisclosed defender are further along than the potential deal for Guimaraes.
Consequently, it’s suggested that a deal for the defender could be finalised shortly, although his identity remains under wraps. The Gunners have been linked with numerous defenders in recent weeks, given William Saliba’s back injury is anticipated to sideline him for at least the initial few months of the season.
John Stones was a potential target, but the England ace is poised to become an Inter Milan player this week. Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa is another defender that Arsenal have been monitoring, although recent reports suggest that the two clubs are significantly apart in their valuation of the England international.