Arsenal have reached an agreement in principle with Newcastle United over the signing of Bruno Guimaraes in a deal worth €90 million (£77m).
The French publication L’Equipe reports that the Gunners have finally met Newcastle’s valuation after seeing two previous bids of €70m and €80m rejected. While some details, including bonuses and agent fees, are still to be finalised, the transfer is said to be entering its final stages.
Guimaraes is understood to have already agreed personal terms with Arsenal several weeks ago on a contract running until 2031. The Brazil international has reportedly been keen on the move, as he informed Newcastle of his desire to leave in pursuit of Champions League football after the Magpies failed to qualify for the competition.
Arsenal agree €90m deal in principle for Guimaraes
The 28-year-old has been a central figure for Newcastle since joining from Lyon in January 2022. He has also established himself as a regular in Brazil’s national team under Carlo Ancelotti, earning 48 international caps.
Newcastle had initially been hoping to receive a fee closer to €100m for their captain but are now said to have accepted Arsenal’s improved proposal in principle. The club have already begun planning for life without Guimaraes, having signed midfielder Aladji Bamba from Monaco before the departure of manager Eddie Howe.
The transfer could also provide a financial boost for Lyon. When Guimaraes left the French club for Newcastle, Lyon retained 20 per cent of any future profit on his sale. If the move is completed on the reported terms, L’Equipe says the Ligue 1 side are expected to receive more than €8m.
Although the framework of the deal is now in place, the remaining contractual details must still be resolved before Arsenal can officially complete one of the Premier League’s biggest transfers of the summer.