Arsenal are set to complete their protracted move for Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes. BBC Sport reported on 30 July that Guimaraes was expected to join the Premier League champions after a breakthrough in talks. A full agreement is now almost done, with Guimaraes awaiting permission to leave Newcastle’s training base in La Manga, Spain, to finalise paperwork for his move to Emirates Stadium. The Gunners are preparing for his medical this week, though no fee is confirmed, with sources suggesting it could reach £80m.

Guimaraes, who joined Newcastle from Lyon in 2022, has made his intention to join Arsenal clear. The 28-year-old midfielder has emerged as Mikel Arteta’s first-choice central midfield target. Newcastle and Arsenal have been discussing the finer terms of the deal this week, with a final agreement considered a formality.

The transfer highlights Arsenal’s focus on strengthening their midfield under Arteta. Guimaraes’ experience as a leader at Newcastle adds value to the potential deal. His arrival could signal a shift in Arsenal’s midfield strategy, depending on the final terms of the agreement.

While the fee remains unconfirmed, the £80m figure underscores the significance of the move. Negotiations have progressed rapidly, with Guimaraes’ permission to leave Newcastle being the last hurdle. This aligns with Arsenal’s broader efforts to bolster their squad ahead of the new season.