Bruno Guimarães has told Newcastle United that he wants to leave the club and join Premier League champions Arsenal, prompting the Gunners to intensify their pursuit of the Brazil midfielder. The development matters because it places Newcastle's club captain at the centre of a potential summer saga, following the departures of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali, and could hand Arsenal a significant addition to their midfield.

Arsenal, who held talks with Guimarães's representatives last month, are believed to be preparing an offer of around £60m, though Newcastle have yet to be contacted and are reluctant to sell a player with two years left on his deal. Newcastle are keen to avoid a repeat of last summer's protracted Alexander Isak situation and are close to signing Sean Steur from Ajax. Arsenal's wider plans include midfield alternatives such as Ayyoub Bouaddi and Alex Scott, attacking target Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa, and goalkeeping cover, while Leandro Trossard is expected to join Besiktas.