Arsenal are edging nearer to securing the signature of Bruno Guimaraes, with the Brazilian midfielder emerging as the club's primary transfer target as the summer window heats up. Talks between the two clubs are officially underway, though Newcastle rejected an initial offer from the Gunners on Monday.
Despite the setback, Arsenal remain confident of getting a deal over the line. Guimaraes, who is currently with his Newcastle teammates at a pre-season training camp in Spain, has reportedly made clear his desire to move to north London. Sources suggest the 26-year-old has already reached an agreement on personal terms for a five-year contract, leaving the transfer largely dependent on the two clubs settling on a fee.
There is a growing belief within Arsenal's camp that the transfer could be finalized within days, a timeline that would allow the Brazilian international to be officially unveiled as the club's first major addition of the summer. Guimaraes has become an influential figure in Newcastle's midfield since arriving from Lyon, and his potential departure would represent a significant blow for Eddie Howe's side.
However, Newcastle appear to be preparing for life without their prized midfielder. According to Portuguese outlet O Jogo, the Magpies have already identified a potential successor and made initial contact with representatives for Porto's Victor Froholdt. The approach signals Newcastle's intent to move swiftly in the market, rather than repeat previous transfer pursuits that were publicly and repeatedly turned down.
Securing Froholdt, though, promises to be no straightforward task. The Danish midfielder has previously stated his preference to remain in Portugal, and Porto have yet to receive any formal bid from Newcastle. Complicating matters further is Froholdt's substantial release clause, reported to stand at £73.4 million — a figure that could deter Newcastle from pursuing a straightforward approach and might force protracted negotiations if the Magpies choose to proceed.
Froholdt's stock has risen considerably following an impressive campaign that saw him named the Primeira Liga's Player of the Season. The recognition has only strengthened his standing at Porto, and the 21-year-old has been quick to reaffirm his commitment to the club amid transfer speculation.
"People talk about taking the next step, but for me Porto is already a huge club," Froholdt said. "I am focused on the next league match. I like being here. Now we are going all out for the championship."
His comments suggest that any move to St James' Park, should Newcastle choose to pursue him formally, would require considerable persuasion — both in terms of matching his release clause and convincing him that a switch to the Premier League represents a genuine step up from his current situation in Portugal.
For Arsenal, the priority remains finalizing the Guimaraes deal as they look to strengthen their midfield options ahead of the new season. Mikel Arteta's side have identified the Brazilian as a key target to add depth and quality to their squad, and there is optimism that the two clubs can reach an agreement that satisfies Newcastle's valuation while allowing the transfer to proceed.
As both clubs navigate their respective midfield business, the coming days are expected to prove pivotal — not only for Guimaraes' future, but also for Newcastle's strategy in identifying and potentially securing his long-term replacement.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport (London Standard).