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Arsenal look set to be the beneficiaries of a turbulent spell at Newcastle United as they zero in on one of their top transfer targets.

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Eddie Howe dramatically stepped down this week following more than four and a half years at the helm at St. James’ Park.

Newcastle ended a 70-year domestic trophy drought when they won the 2025 Carabao Cup final against Liverpool, but star striker Alexander Isak moved to Anfield in a protracted transfer saga that summer. The Magpies struggled in the Premier League last season and were dumped out of the Champions League after a 7-2 thrashing at Barcelona.

England winger Anthony Gordon left Newcastle for Barca before the World Cup, while Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali joined Tottenham Hotspur. 

Howe stepped away after a 4-1 defeat to Bristol City in Newcastle’s opening preseason friendly amid speculation that the club’s willingness to sell Brazil midfielder and club captain Bruno Guimaraes proved the final straw.

The 28-year-old former Lyon midfielder has a host of admirers, but the reigning Premier League champions appear to be at the front of the line.

MORE: Arsenal preseason schedule, results 2026: Dates, times, more to know about Gunners plans

Is Bruno Guimaraes going to Arsenal?

The Athletic’s transfer specialist David Ornstein reported on July 31 that Arsenal had «an agreement in principle» with Newcastle on a deal to sign Guimaraes.

The Sporting News then learned that discussions between the clubs had reached an advanced stage, with Newcastle softening their stance over the player after previously being determined to resist approaches.

As per The Guardian, Guimaraes did not travel with Newcastle on their flight to Murcia, Spain on Friday, ahead of the managerless squad’s preseason training camp in La Manga.

However, on August 3, it was reported that Guimaraes had indeed joined his teammates for training. It was further claimed by Mark Douglas of the i Paper Sport that Newcastle had rejected Arsenal’s opening bid.

While it is still broadly accepted that a deal will be struck, Arsenal still have some work to do.

🚨Bruno Guimarães’ agent, Alexis Malavolta, on Instagram TODAY! 👀🇧🇷📲 #AFC pic.twitter.com/KDaJBuIVFE

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— David Schill (@DTalkingArsenal) July 31, 2026

How much will Arsenal pay for Bruno Guimaraes?

The Sporting News understands Arsenal intend to pay a fee of around £85 million ($114 million) for Guimaraes.

That comes in notably below the fees paid by Manchester City for Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest (£116m) and Tonali’s switch to Spurs (£100m).

A notable factor in Arsenal finding such value in the market, along with Newcastle’s need to sell, is the fact that Guimaraes turns 29 in November.

Where will Bruno Guimaraes play for Arsenal?

Guimaraes’ versatility as a central midfielder is the key part of his appeal to Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal were over-reliant on Declan Rice last season. The England midfielder’s relentless workload appeared to catch up with him as injury and illness hindered his World Cup.

Rice had to go back to the well repeatedly during the run-in as Martin Zubimendi’s form fell away. Zubimendi playing as a holding No. 6, with Rice as a hard-running left-sided No. 8, was the bedrock for much of Arsenal’s Premier League title-winning campaign. 

Without Zubimendi, Rice was forced to slot into the holding role, where he is defensively excellent but is not an astute playmaker. Guimaraes can fill both roles and also brings a physical prowess that is comparable to Rice.

Additionally, Arsenal’s lack of goals from midfield was a reasonable problem last season. Martin Odegaard’s apparent return to form at the World Cup could be a huge boost to their title defence, but Guimaraes also brings an appetite to crash the box that no one outside of super-sub Mikel Merino has in the Gunners’ squad. Additionally, his aerial ability will be useful for the team that delivers with such quality into dangerous areas.

 Projected Arsenal lineup for 2026/27 season

It is assumed Guimaraes would slot into a first-choice midfield alongside Rice and Odegaard, rather than instead of one of them.

However, Rice’s nerve problem may require treatment that could see him miss the start of the season, in which case Guimaraes would presumably move to the England international’s role, with Zubimendi deployed as the No. 6.

Arsenal strongest starting XI for 2026/27 (4-3-3, right to left):

D. Raya (GK) — J. Timber, W. Saliba, Gabriel, R. Calafiori — M. Odegaard, B. Guimaraes, D. Rice — B. Saka, K. Havertz, C. Tzolis

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