Arsenal have been after a midfielder all summer.
Mikel Arteta wants to sign someone who can not only partner Declan Rice but cover for him when he needs rest.
Rice played a lot of football last season and that has clearly taken its toll physically, going by his condition during the World Cup.
He will need to be rotated more next season, and Arteta is aware of this.
But the Arsenal manager wants to bring in a top-quality player to ensure the level doesn’t drop significantly without Rice.
He has passed up on the likes of Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, and Youri Tielemans, and links to Ayyoub Bouaddi and Alex Scott have cooled.
It’s clear who Arsenal want: Bruno Guimaraes.
💰 Bruno Guimaraes is turning 29 in November and has TWO years left on his contract… How much should Arsenal pay to sign him?
The Brazilian midfielder has told Newcastle he wants to leave for the Emirates, and the player’s agent network are working on making a deal possible.
Newcastle are reluctant to sanction the sale of their captain and best player, though, especially before signing a replacement.
That might be about to change, and Arsenal’s north London rivals are the unlikely catalyst.
How Tottenham can help Arsenal sign Bruno Guimaraes
As per The Athletic, Newcastle have had a £46million bid for Lucas Bergvall rejected by Tottenham.
The offer exceeded previous approaches from Nottingham Forest, who are also chasing the 20-year-old Swede.
Spurs have knocked back all attempts so far, but a sale would apparently be considered with a higher bid.
Bergvall himself has informed Spurs of his preference to leave this summer despite being under contract until 2031.
After selling Tonali to Spurs, Newcastle need midfield reinforcements.
They have already missed out on Johan Manzambi to Aston Villa, and are now focused on bringing Bergvall to St James’ Park.
If Spurs eventually sell, and given Bergvall’s desire to leave and Spurs’ own significant midfield investment in Fernandes and Tonali, a sale feels increasingly likely.
Newcastle would then have the cover they need to let Guimaraes go.
Newcastle missing out on Johan Manzambi could actually help Arsenal
Eddie Howe’s side might have been trying to sign Manzambi with Guimaraes in mind, but the fact that they lost out on him to Aston Villa could actually benefit the Gunners.
Manzambi operates in similar positions to Morgan Rogers, Arsenal’s top attacking target.
🤔 PICK ONE: Would you rather Arsenal signed Bradley Barcola or Morgan Rogers this summer?
Villa signing the Swiss could be in anticipation for Rogers’ eventual departure to the Emirates.
Finally, for both the Guimaraes and Rogers pursuits, it feels like the dominoes are beginning to line up for Arsenal.
Now it’s down to Andrea Berta to get the deals done.
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