Arsenal have established a firm financial valuation for Bruno Guimaraes and will only pursue the Newcastle United captain if a deal can be completed within that limit.
David Ornstein says the Gunners remain interested in the Brazil international as Mikel Arteta considers adding another elite midfielder to his squad.
However, Arsenal will not allow Newcastle’s asking price or outside pressure to dictate their offer. Andrea Berta is prepared to move for Guimaraes if the numbers become acceptable, but alternative targets will be pursued if an agreement cannot be reached.
Ornstein previously revealed that Guimaraes had informed Newcastle of his desire to join Arsenal. The Gunners were willing to offer a package worth up to £60m at that stage, although no direct club-to-club negotiations had taken place.
Arsenal refuse to overpay for Guimaraes
Newcastle have maintained that their captain is not for sale and reports have placed their valuation close to £100m.
ReadArsenal recently covered the substantial difference between Arsenal and Newcastle’s valuations, with the Gunners needing to decide whether to improve their initial proposal.
The latest update provides a clearer indication of Arsenal’s position. They admire Guimaraes and recognise the qualities he would add, but they are not preparing an open-ended pursuit.
The 28-year-old would provide Premier League experience, leadership and competition for Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi and Martin Odegaard. He can operate in several midfield roles and would immediately strengthen Arteta’s starting side.
However, Arsenal have already shown financial discipline after refusing to match Chelsea’s £117m agreement for Morgan Rogers.
Berta will take the same approach with Guimaraes. Arsenal will attempt to complete the deal if Newcastle move closer to their valuation, but they are ready to redirect their budget rather than pay significantly above it.
