Arsenal are on the verge of signing Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United, with a full agreement between the two clubs considered a formality and the Brazil midfielder waiting for permission to leave Newcastle's training base in La Manga, Spain, to complete the move.

BBC Sport reported on 5 August that Guimaraes is set to finalise his transfer to the Emirates Stadium this week, with Arsenal preparing for his medical. The 28-year-old has made clear his intention to join Mikel Arteta's side and has been identified as the Arsenal manager's first-choice central midfield target (BBC Sport).

The deal has moved quickly after early resistance from Newcastle. Arsenal's opening bid of £70 million was rejected, according to The Guardian (The Guardian, 4 August), with the two clubs then entering direct talks. Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that Newcastle had internally accepted Guimaraes would leave this summer (Football365, 3 August). By 1 August, Metro, citing reports in Brazil, claimed a final agreement worth £80 million had been reached (Metro, 1 August). French outlet L'Equipe, as relayed by ESPN, put the figure at €90 million (ESPN, 31 July). There is no official confirmation of the fee, but sources indicate it could reach £80 million.

For Guimaraes, the transfer would end a four-and-a-half-year stay on Tyneside. He joined Newcastle from French club Lyon in the January 2022 window for around £40 million — a deal that could cost the club a further €8 million in add-ons (The Athletic, 2022). At the time, Newcastle were battling to avoid relegation. He went on to become club captain and a central figure in the most successful period the club has had in a generation, with Newcastle now the reigning Premier League champions (The Guardian, 4 August).

For Arsenal, the signing addresses a clear need. Arteta has wanted a commanding central midfielder — the kind of player who controls tempo and wins the ball back — and Guimaraes fits that profile. He is a Brazil international with more than four years of Premier League experience, and at 28 he is in his prime. Guimaraes joined Newcastle's pre-season preparations in Spain, which is where he now waits for the formal release to travel and complete his medical in England (BBC Sport).

The finer terms of the deal are still being discussed this week, but a final agreement is now considered a formality. Newcastle and Arsenal have been negotiating directly since the first bid was turned down, and the path has been smoothed by the player's own desire to make the switch.

For Newcastle supporters, losing a captain who helped deliver a league title will sting. For Arsenal fans, it signals serious intent ahead of the new season. Either way, one of the summer's biggest transfers looks set to cross the line within days.