Giants are picking Magpies apart – Arsenal make move for Bruno Guimaraes

Barcelona have already prised Anthony Gordon away from Newcastle, while Manchester City and Tottenham are circling Sandro Tonali. But the Magpies' transfer worries are far from over. Europe's elite are determined to raid St James' Park this summer, and Arsenal have now joined the queue.

According to Brazilian outlet Globo, with the report backed up by several leading British media outlets, the Premier League champions have launched a move for Bruno Guimaraes. However, they were immediately met with firm resistance, as Newcastle have no intention of selling one of their most influential players.

As things stand, Arsenal's proposed offer of around €70 million (£55 million) will not be enough. The north London club have yet to submit an official bid, instead informing Newcastle through intermediaries of the amount they are prepared to pay for the Brazilian midfielder, who is currently away with his national team at the World Cup.

Despite the prospect of making a significant profit on the 28-year-old, Newcastle have made it clear they are unwilling to entertain offers for their captain. Since arriving on Tyneside, Guimaraes has developed into the team's leader, becoming one of Eddie Howe's most reliable and consistent performers while also building a special bond with the supporters. For that reason, Newcastle have no desire to part ways with him—especially not for the fee Arsenal are offering.

Whether a substantially improved bid could change their stance remains to be seen.

It would also be interesting to see exactly how Mikel Arteta plans to use Guimaraes should Arsenal eventually secure his signature. On paper, the Gunners are already well stocked in midfield, with Declan Rice, Zubimendi—signed for €70 million last summer— Merino, who can also operate as a striker when needed, as well as Lewis-Skelly, who established himself during the closing stages of last season, and Christian Norgaard.

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Even so, Arsenal appear determined to strengthen that area of the squad. They were already looking to do so in the winter transfer window, when they made a late attempt to sign Sandro Tonali. Newcastle refused to negotiate at the time, believing they would not have enough time to find a replacement. Now they are once again trying to keep another prized midfielder out of the champions' hands.

Guimaraes joined Newcastle from Lyon four and a half years ago in a deal worth €42 million. Since then, he has made 195 appearances for the club, scoring 31 goals and providing 32 assists. Before moving to Europe, he played in Brazil for Athletico Paranaense and Gremio Osasco Audax.