Arsenal are reportedly keen to secure Bruno Guimaraes as part of an ambitious triple transfer strategy this summer, spearheaded by incoming director Andrea Berta.
Andrea Berta, formerly a sporting director at Atletico Madrid, is expected to take over from Edu Gaspar as Arsenal’s head of transfers.
Sources in Spain, AS, suggest that Berta is preparing to make a significant impact upon his arrival in London by pursuing Newcastle’s star midfielder Guimaraes.
Guimaraes, a 27-year-old Brazilian international, has been a crucial figure for Newcastle since his £40million transfer from Lyon in 2022.
Despite reports indicating Guimaraes’ contentment at Newcastle following a contract extension until 2028 signed 18 months prior, there are suggestions of a £60m release clause if Newcastle fails to qualify for the Champions League. However, sources indicate this may not be accurate.
Five English teams are anticipated to participate in Europe’s premier competition next season.
Newcastle currently occupies sixth place in the league standings, matching points with fifth-placed Manchester City.
Berta is reportedly a long-admirer of Guimaraes, having attempted to sign him three times during his tenure at Atletico Madrid.
He has reportedly contacted Guimaraes’s representatives to express Arsenal’s strong interest in signing him this summer.
Further Arsenal Transfer Targets
Guimaraes is not the only Newcastle player on Arsenal’s radar.
David Ornstein from The Athletic reports that Mikel Arteta is also very keen on signing Guimaraes’s teammate, 25-year-old Alexander Isak, identifying the Swedish striker as his primary target.
It is estimated that securing Isak could cost Arsenal a record £150m, as he is also contracted until 2028 and is not actively seeking a move.
Additionally, AS mentions Arsenal’s confidence in finalizing a £50m deal for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, 26.
Zubimendi, who declined a move to Liverpool last summer, is now considered likely to move to England with Arsenal.
Arsenal’s pursuit of both Zubimendi and Guimaraes suggests potential departures for Jorginho and Thomas Partey.
Both experienced players are nearing the end of their contracts this summer and are expected to be available on free transfers.
Jorginho is rumored to be considering a move to Flamengo in Brazil.
Partey has been linked with a transfer to Barcelona.
