Expectation across Premier League boardrooms is growing that Bruno Guimaraes will end up an Arsenal player before the transfer window closes.
That is despite Newcastle’s publicly firm stance that their captain and star player is not for sale.
Senior figures at rival top-flight clubs now view North London as the Brazilian’s most likely destination.
Though there are mixed reports about whether Arsenal have made club-to-club contact yet, the latest update indicates that rival contenders have distanced themselves from the race.
💰 Bruno Guimaraes is turning 29 in November and has TWO years left on his contract… How much should Arsenal pay to sign him?
Chelsea not expected to enter the race for Bruno Guimaraes
According to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, Chelsea are not pursuing a deal for Guimaraes.
Arsenal’s London rivals have made no official approach or bid, choosing instead to explore alternative midfield options like Brighton’s Carlos Baleba.
Ben Jacobs has backed that up too, adding that Arsenal are focused on trying to close the deal.
The 28-year-old has already agreed personal terms with Arsenal, who are expected to bid £70million.
Newcastle will likely turn that down and hold out for at least £80million, and Arsenal, fresh from missing out on Morgan Rogers after refusing to match Chelsea’s £117million bid, will be wary of letting the same thing repeat itself.
Manchester United are another who have been loosely linked with Guimaraes as they search for their third midfielder of the window.
However, they are also focusing their attention on other targets, including Tyler Adams from Leeds and Manu Kone from Roma — another player who has previously crossed Arsenal’s radar.
With those two clubs effectively out of the picture, Arsenal are the clear favourites to bring Guimaraes to the Emirates.
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