Arsenal have reportedly reached an agreement in principle with Newcastle United for the signing of Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimarães.
According to French outlet L’Equipe, the two clubs have agreed on a deal worth an initial £77 million, with additional performance-related bonuses.
Although the transfer has not yet been officially completed, the report states that the move is in its final stages, with the player yet to sign his contract.
Newcastle had been reluctant to sell their captain after already parting ways with several key players, including Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon, during the current transfer window.
However, Arsenal are understood to have intensified negotiations in a bid to secure the services of the 28-year-old midfielder.
Reports indicate that Guimarães informed Newcastle officials several weeks ago of his desire to leave the club. He was also absent from the squad that travelled to La Manga, Spain, for the club’s pre-season training camp on Friday.
If completed, the transfer would mark another significant departure for Newcastle following the recent exit of manager Eddie Howe, a development that has disappointed many supporters.
The move would also benefit French club Lyon, Guimarães’ former team, which is expected to receive more than €8 million through a sell-on clause included in his transfer agreement.