Arsenal believe Bruno Guimaraes now wants to complete a move to the Emirates Stadium after discussions over an earlier Newcastle exit agreement.
The deal could now cost the Gunners between £75million and £85million including add-ons.
Teamnewsandtix claims Guimaraes’ camp believed an agreement from last summer still applied. That arrangement reportedly allowed him to leave for around £60million to £65million if Newcastle missed Champions League qualification.
The condition never became active because Newcastle qualified for the competition. However, the midfielder’s representatives reportedly expected Newcastle to honour a similar valuation this summer.
Arsenal then explored the situation through intermediaries. Teamnewsandtix says those discussions turned Guimaraes’ head and left him determined to join Mikel Arteta’s side.
Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal could reach £85m
Arsenal reportedly increased their offer to £70million, but Newcastle swiftly rejected the proposal. Arsenal viewed the bid as a message to the player’s camp that they remain committed.
Teamnewsandtix expects Arsenal to make another attempt because Guimaraes wants the transfer. A package worth between £75million and £85million could provide the compromise required to advance negotiations.
However, Arsenal may withdraw if Newcastle demand significantly more. The Premier League champions initially valued the midfielder closer to £60million and do not want to lose control of the fee.
Sky Sports previously confirmed that Guimaraes had informed Newcastle of his wish to join Arsenal. The conditions of a possible move had also been explored through intermediaries.
Newcastle continue to insist their captain is not for sale. Eddie Howe has also admitted he does not control the key discussions surrounding the Brazilian’s future.
ReadArsenal reported that Howe’s admission gave Arsenal a fresh Bruno Guimaraes transfer opening. Andrea Berta must now decide whether to submit an improved formal offer.
The Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal transfer remains dependent on Newcastle softening their position. However, the player’s desire and Arsenal’s improved proposal have increased pressure before his scheduled return to pre-season.
