Arsenal are on the verge of completing a transfer for Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes, bringing an end to a lengthy pursuit of the Brazilian midfielder. The move is significant for the Premier League champions, who have identified the 28-year-old as manager Mikel Arteta's top target to strengthen the centre of midfield ahead of the new season.

A full agreement between the clubs is understood to be close, with Guimaraes awaiting permission to leave Newcastle's training base in La Manga, Spain, to complete the formalities. Arsenal are preparing for his medical this week, and while no fee has been confirmed, reports suggest it could reach £80m. Guimaraes, who joined Newcastle from Lyon in 2022 and has 48 caps for Brazil, has made his desire to join Arsenal clear.