Arsenal have completed the signing of Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, according to a report from ESPN Brasil.
The Premier League holders have pursued the Brazil international for several weeks before finally reaching an agreement with the Magpies.
Arsenal will pay £70 million upfront for the 28-year-old, with a further £10 million available through add-ons.
Newcastle’s failure to qualify for the Champions League is understood to have played a significant role in facilitating the transfer.
Guimaraes, described as “very special” by Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, arrives at Arsenal in the prime of his career.
The Brazilian produced a brilliant campaign at St. James’ Park last season, registering 9 goals and 6 assists in the Premier League.
Those numbers came despite Guimaraes missing a couple of months in the second half of the season due to a hamstring injury.
His defensive output was equally impressive, with the midfielder averaging 6 duels and 2 tackles per game alongside 5 recoveries per outing.
Guimaraes is widely expected to form a formidable partnership alongside Declan Rice in the heart of Arsenal’s midfield.
Rice has been managing neural hamstring pain, meaning there could be matches next season where the England international requires rest.
Guimaraes has demonstrated the versatility to operate as a lone no.6, which gives Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta valuable tactical flexibility.
Arsenal have had a relatively quiet summer window, with Christos Tzolis their only outfield signing so far before this deal.
Tzolis impressed in a closed-doors friendly against MK Dons, contributing an assist in a 3-0 win, before scoring in a 4-1 victory over Girona.
The Times has reported that a medical for Guimaraes could be scheduled as early as Monday, with the deal set to be wrapped up within days.