Arsenal transfer news: Gunners to make £70m bid for ‘priority’ target

Arsenal are reportedly preparing a £70m bid for Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his options in the middle of the park.

The BBC have reported that talks between Arsenal and Newcastle have accelerated in recent days and the Magpies are now braced for a fresh bid for their Brazilian midfielder.

Guimaraes has already informed Newcastle of his desire to move to North London this summer, which could make it difficult for them to turn down £70m.

Arsenal to make their move

Guimaraes is described by the BBC as Arsenal's ‘priority' transfer target this summer and has already been the subject of a £55m bid from the Gunners. Newcastle rejected that offer, and they are also expected to reject the incoming £70m bid.

Arsenal are said to have a firm limit on what they are willing to be spend on the Brazilian, while Newcastle are reportedly determined to keep hold of him, despite his willingness for the transfer.

Arteta is only interested in adding real quality to his squad this summer as Arsenal look to defend their Premier League title and go one better in the Champions League after losing in the final to PSG back in June.

Morgan Rogers was a target earlier in the window, but he is now a Chelsea player while the champions also have an interest in Ezri Konsa.

According to the BBC, their ‘dream' signing is Julian Alvarez, but there is an acceptance that the former Manchester City man has set his heart on a move to Barcelona should he leave Atletico Madrid.

Bradley Barcola is another player Arteta is interested in, with a left-winger needed following the departure of Leandro Trossard. The PSG man is reportedly open to the transfer as he searches for a starring role next season.

FW verdict: £70m won't get the deal done

Bruno Guimaraes is considered one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, so te idea of Arsenal signing him for £70m feels far-fetched, even if he is 28 years old.

In a summer where Mateus Fernandes has gone for £85m and Sandro Tonali has gone for over £100m, Arsenal are going to need to up their offer if they are desperate on signing the Brazilian, particularly as Newcastle don't need the money.