Arsenal is on the verge of finalizing a monumental transfer for Newcastle’s midfield maestro, Bruno Guimaraes. After seeing initial bids of €70 million and €80 million turned down by Newcastle, Arsenal escalated their proposition to a base fee of €90 million, enhanced with performance-based add-ons. The 28-year-old Brazilian international has already reached a personal agreement on a long-term deal that will keep him in North London until 2031. He has expressed a strong desire for over a month to complete this dream move to join Mikel Arteta’s midfield setup.

Guimaraes has formally requested Newcastle to delay his departure for the club’s pre-season training camp in La Manga. This postponement is intended to allow sufficient time for the finalization of his transfer. While Newcastle maintains that his schedule has always been flexible following the World Cup, insiders close to the player have confirmed that his travel arrangements were indeed adjusted to facilitate the completion of this move.

The influential midfielder had previously informed both club management and former coach Eddie Howe of his ambition to depart St James’ Park in pursuit of Champions League football. With Newcastle failing to secure qualification for Europe’s most prestigious club competition, the Brazilian captain has made his intention to seek a fresh challenge abundantly clear.

The impending departure of Guimaraes represents yet another significant setback for Newcastle during a summer marked by an unprecedented squad overhaul. The Magpies have already confirmed the high-profile exits of Sandro Tonali, who moved to Tottenham Hotspur, and Anthony Gordon, who joined Barcelona. This comes shortly after coach Eddie Howe tendered his resignation.

Newcastle had proactively prepared for the Brazilian’s departure by securing the signing of Aladji Bamba from Monaco earlier this summer. Meanwhile, Guimaraes’ former club, Lyon, is closely monitoring the negotiations, as a 20% sell-on clause in his previous transfer agreement stands to net the French club over €8 million from the final transfer fee.

Newcastle now faces a monumental rebuilding effort, with a significantly depleted squad as the new season approaches. The club must swiftly integrate its new signings and reconfigure its midfield options following the departure of key leaders.

As the final intricate details regarding the bonus structure and agent commissions are being meticulously ironed out, Arsenal anticipates concluding the transfer within the next few days. Guimaraes is then expected to undergo his medical examination before officially joining his new teammates at the Emirates Stadium.