Arsenal are preparing a £70 million bid for Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes as Mikel Arteta steps up his search for midfield reinforcements ahead of the new Premier League season.
The Brazil international has emerged as one of Arsenal's top transfer priorities, with discussions between the clubs gathering momentum in recent days.
Arsenal push for Guimaraes transfer
Guimaraes is understood to be open to joining the Premier League champions, and Newcastle are aware of the 28-year-old's desire to make the move to north London.
While Arsenal are expected to table an opening offer of £70m, it remains unclear whether Newcastle will accept that figure, with negotiations over the midfielder's valuation ongoing.
The Gunners are eager to add proven quality to their squad but remain determined not to exceed their own valuation of transfer targets.
That approach was evident in their pursuit of Morgan Rogers.
But Arsenal refused to match Chelsea's £117m deal after valuing the former Aston Villa star at around £80m.
Defensive and attacking targets remain
Arsenal are also targeting reinforcements at the back, with Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa their preferred option in central defence.
The club have made enquiries over the England international, while Como defender Jacobo Ramon is another player being monitored. However, contractual clauses are believed to complicate any potential move for the Spaniard.
Further additions in attack are also on Arsenal's agenda after missing out on Rogers.
Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez remains the club's dream signing, although his reported preference is for a move to Barcelona.
That fee, which could exceed the British transfer record paid for Alexander Isak, makes a deal difficult to complete. That mark sits at £125m.
Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola is another player Arsenal have explored as they continue their search for attacking reinforcements before the transfer window closes.
