Arsenal have reportedly pencilled in a medical for Bruno Guimaraes as Mikel Arteta’s side move closer to signing the Newcastle United captain.
The transfer is not formally completed, but the Brazil international could undergo his medical on Monday if the remaining details are resolved.
The Times reports that Arsenal are closing in on an agreement worth £80million, structured as £70m up front plus a further £10m in add-ons. Guimaraes is then expected to sign a five-year contract at the Emirates Stadium.
Personal terms are not expected to create an issue. The midfielder has wanted the Arsenal move for several weeks and is now approaching a decisive stage in the long-running negotiations.
Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal moves closer to completion
A medical being arranged represents another significant step, although Arsenal supporters should still wait for confirmation of a club-to-club agreement.
The Newcastle captain was due to return following his post-World Cup break, but Arsenal are pushing to complete the move before their next pre-season fixture against Real Betis in Dublin on Wednesday.
ReadArsenal previously reported that Newcastle’s £80m valuation was becoming the decisive figure in negotiations. Arsenal had earlier seen lower approaches rejected as Newcastle attempted to retain one of their most important players.
Guimaraes would significantly increase Arteta’s midfield options alongside Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi and Martin Odegaard. He can operate as a deeper midfielder or as a number eight and already has extensive Premier League experience.
There remains some conflicting reporting around exactly how advanced the club-to-club negotiations are, so the transfer cannot yet be described as completed.
However, with an £80m package now being reported and a medical planned for Monday, Arsenal appear closer than ever to landing one of Arteta’s leading midfield targets.
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