Insider reports from Newcastle suggest Arsenal have not yet submitted an official bid, but a bid in the region of £65 million could be sufficient to strike a deal. Previously, a verbal offer of £45 million conveyed via intermediaries was rejected.
Newcastle remain firm that Guimarães is not for sale, yet there are growing concerns within their camp that the midfielder’s stance may be shifting.
Connections at the agent level are drawing attention as well. Guimarães’ representative, Alexis Malavolta, is part of the Bertolucci group, led by prominent super agent Giuliano Bertolucci, who previously facilitated Arsenal moves for Gabriel Magalhães and David Luiz. Bertolucci and Malavolta were seen in the United States during the World Cup alongside Kia Joorabchian, another well-known figure in football transfers. The parties involved insist they are merely acquaintances, but some observers view it differently.
Guimarães departed for the World Cup without a new contract in place. There are reports that he is unsettled by recent developments at Newcastle, including high-profile departures, such as Alexander Isak’s transfer to Liverpool for £125 million, and a downturn in Newcastle’s league standing from fifth to twelfth last season.
The looming competition for midfield talent is intensifying. Tottenham has reportedly secured a deal to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham for around £85 million and are eyeing Sandro Tonali as a further addition. Newcastle, unlikely to part with both of their top midfielders, could face increased pressure to hold onto Guimarães, potentially accelerating Arsenal’s timeline to complete a deal before Spurs move.
From a footballing perspective, Guimarães would represent an excellent signing for Arsenal. Inside the club, there is belief that Guimarães could complement Declan Rice highly effectively, perhaps even more so than Tonali, while costing substantially less than the £100 million figure widely reported for Tonali. At 28, Guimarães would be tied to a four-year contract, taking him to age 32, which introduces some financial risk but promises immediate quality in Arteta’s midfield.
All signs—contractual links, recent transfer chatter, and Newcastle’s camp concerns—point toward a promising chance for Arsenal. The club reportedly believes a £65 million bid could secure the deal; time will tell whether they decide to act quickly to outpace rival interest.
