Arsenal’s pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes shows no sign of slowing down despite a significant gap between the clubs on valuation.
Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta identified the Newcastle captain as a priority midfield target this summer transfer window.
Arsenal submitted an opening offer worth around £55 million via intermediaries, a bid Newcastle rejected without serious consideration.
Reports have since indicated Guimaraes told Newcastle he wants the move, prompting the club to place a valuation close to £100 million on their captain.
Despite the sizeable financial gap, Arsenal have continued exploring every possible route to keep discussions alive behind the scenes.
According to Arsenal insider HandOfArsenal, no meaningful club-to-club negotiations have taken place beyond a single phone call from Newcastle.
“My understanding is club-to-club talks have NOT taken place except a phone call from Newcastle asking Arsenal about their stance, which didn’t clarify anything between the parties,” wrote the insider on X.
Berta is reportedly continuing to work through intermediary Kia Joorabchian as Arsenal attempt to bridge the gap to a mutually acceptable valuation.
“Berta is still wanting Kia to handle all the negotiations until / if a fair valuation can be reached between BOTH parties,” the insider added.
Newcastle are now understood to be targeting a minimum fee in the region of £80 to £85 million, below the £100 million figure previously reported but still well above Arsenal’s opening proposal.
“Newcastle are aiming to secure a fee within the £80-£85m range as a minimum,” the HandOfArsenal post confirmed, offering some clarity on the Magpies’ negotiating position.
The player’s own stance continues to provide encouragement for Arsenal, with Guimaraes reportedly fully committed to Arteta’s project and content to let his representatives handle proceedings professionally.
“Bruno is fully sold on the project and is awaiting his agents and Kia to handle the situation respectfully,” the insider wrote.
That approach mirrors wider reports suggesting the Brazil international has no desire to force an exit or create unnecessary tension at Newcastle.
Guimaraes currently earns around £160,000 per week at Newcastle, meaning Arsenal would likely need to improve significantly on those terms to complete any deal.
It is also worth noting that despite his contract expiring in 2028, the Magpies hold a 12-month extension clause offering them additional protection.
Berta has developed a reputation for measured negotiation, preferring to wait for the right conditions rather than overpaying, particularly in deals involving Premier League rivals.
Guimaraes captained Newcastle to a first major trophy since the 1950s in 2025 and has established himself as one of Europe’s finest all-round midfielders.
He scored nine Premier League goals last season while still functioning as Newcastle’s midfield anchor, demonstrating his ability to influence matches at both ends of the pitch.
His ability to dictate possession and recover the ball aggressively would complement Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard in Arsenal’s midfield setup.
At 28, Guimaraes combines significant top-level experience with several peak years still ahead of him, making him an attractive long-term investment for the Gunners.
For now, this transfer saga remains firmly at the relationship-building stage rather than at the formal negotiating table, with resolution still some way off.