Arsenal are preparing to submit a new offer to sign Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, according to reports. The Gunners had an initial £55m bid for the Brazilian rejected last month, but they are now ready to increase their offer to £65m.
Guimaraes' concerns over Newcastle's direction
According to Chronicle Live, Guimaraes has concerns over Newcastle's direction after they failed to qualify for Europe and have decided to sell Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon this summer. The report adds that a £65m bid from Arsenal could be enough to 'tip the balance', and sources at the club have indicated that an official offer will be submitted before the end of the summer transfer window.
Arsenal encouraged by potential deal
Arsenal are said to be 'encouraged' that an agreement can be reached with Newcastle over a deal for Guimaraes, who has been a key part of Eddie Howe's side since his £40m move from Lyon four years ago. Speaking earlier this week, Guimaraes' former teammate at Newcastle, Emil Krafth, stressed the importance of the Brazilian midfielder to Howe's side.
'He's the most important player in the team,' Krafth told the BBC. 'He manages the game so well, both physically and technically. I hope they can keep him. There's a lot of rumours surrounding him, which is not surprising because he's had a good World Cup and a great season.'
Guimaraes impresses at World Cup
Guimaraes has also impressed for Brazil at the World Cup this summer with four assists in four games for Carlo Ancelotti's side. The 28-year-old is set to keep his place in midfield for Brazil's last-16 tie against Norway on Sunday.
