Arsenal poised to make Guimaraes offer after talks

Arsenal are ready to submit a formal offer for Newcastle United and Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes following preliminary discussions over a potential move.

According to BBC Sport, the Gunners have explored approaches for either Guimaraes or his club teammate Sandro Tonali as they seek to strengthen their midfield. During talks aimed at checking the financial conditions of a deal for Guimaraes, a fee of around £60m was intimated with the 28-year-old's representatives.

Arsenal remain in negotiations for the Brazilian while assessing numerous options to add a new central midfielder this summer. Discussions have also taken place with Tonali's representatives. As it stands, the club wants only one leading central midfielder, with Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi among other players being considered.

Newcastle have already turned down an £80m bid from Tottenham Hotspur for Tonali and are reluctant to lose Guimaraes, their captain and talisman. Guimaraes, who has two years left on his contract, is currently focused on Brazil's World Cup campaign, where his side will face Japan in the last 32.

As previously reported, Newcastle are in a strong position to demand a fee closer to £100m for Tonali, with Manchester City also monitoring the situation. The Italian is contracted until 2030 after extending his deal during a 10-month betting ban.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is known for working on multiple deals simultaneously before making a final decision. The arrival of a new central midfielder could question Martin Zubimendi's role in the starting XI, while the club is expected to listen to offers for Danish midfielder Christian Norgaard.