Arsenal have received a huge boost in a £70m transfer race as Mikel Arteta has told Gunners fans exactly what they want to hear
Arsenal have had a huge boost in their pursuit of a £70m summer signing thanks to the turmoil at a Premier League rival.
Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes has long been on the radar of the Premier League champions and following the resignation of manager Eddie Howe, the Brazilian midfielder appears to have edged closer to the exit door and a move down to North London.
Meanwhile, an announcement from the Gunners themselves could also bode well for the future as Mikel Arteta’s squad is set to be bolstered ahead of the new campaign. Here’s all the latest news from the Emirates Stadium.
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Bruno Guimaraes transfer saga continues
The Gunners’ chase for Bruno Guimaraes has been a major talking point over the summer, with Arsenal keen to bring the Newcastle skipper into their ranks, reports the Mirror.
A £70million deal for the Brazil international is yet to be finalised between the two clubs, who haven’t begun direct negotiations.
The plot thickened on Thursday following Eddie Howe’s exit from St James’ Park. The Telegraph reports Howe had grown increasingly frustrated by the sales of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali, as well as the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his captain’s future.
Howe is said to have commented “what will be, will be” when asked about the 28-year-old midfielder’s future and the prospect of selling Guimaraes was the “final straw” for the coach.
While Guimaraes is due to return to Newcastle for pre-season training on Friday, discussions about his future are likely to intensify following Howe’s departure.
The Brazilian has forged a strong bond with the Newcastle supporters, but he is open to a move to London that would see him back in the Champions League.
Arsenal confirmation
In contrast to many clubs who typically play their cards close to their chest regarding potential new signings, Arsenal have taken a different approach.
The Gunners used their official club website to inform their fans that they are likely to make additional summer signings before the transfer window closes.
In an article previewing their pre-season friendly against Girona on Saturday, it stated: “Two new signings have also joined the group this pre-season – goalkeeper Illan Meslier and forward Christos Tzolis – with more expected to sign before the end of the transfer window.”
Arteta himself confirmed the plan to welcome new arrivals in an interview with Arsenal.com. The Spaniard said: “We all know about the context of this transfer window. From ownership to the board, the sporting director and myself, we know that we want to take this club to a different level.
“That is going to require a better squad, better individuals. We have identified where we have opportunities to grow and to improve and to evolve our game and what is going to be needed to achieve that. Hopefully very soon we can start to put things in a very concrete way.”