Arsenal step up pursuit of Bruno Guimarães with improved bid

Arsenal are stepping up their pursuit of Bruno Guimarães, with the Premier League club preparing an improved offer after Newcastle United rejected an initial bid for the Brazil midfielder, according to British media reports.

The Gunners are understood to have tabled an opening offer worth around £70 million, but Newcastle turned it down as they remain determined to keep their captain ahead of the new season. Arsenal are now expected to return with a significantly higher proposal in an effort to revive negotiations.

Rather than entering the race for Morgan Rogers, who has reportedly attracted a record £117 million bid from Chelsea, Arsenal have identified Guimarães as their priority midfield target.

The 28-year-old enjoyed another influential campaign for Newcastle last season, scoring nine goals and providing eight assists across all competitions. He joined the Magpies from French side Lyon in 2022 for around £35 million and has since become one of the club's most important players.

Newcastle are keen to avoid another prolonged transfer saga after last summer's speculation surrounding Alexander Isak and have made it clear they are reluctant to part ways with Guimarães.

Before leaving his role last week, former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe admitted he had been concerned about the possibility of losing the Brazilian during the summer transfer window.

Following Brazil's World Cup campaign, Guimarães has already returned to Newcastle's pre-season training camp in Spain. However, uncertainty remains over whether he will still be at St James' Park when Newcastle open their Premier League season against Liverpool on August 23.

Arsenal, meanwhile, begin their new campaign against Coventry City on August 21.

Although manager Mikel Arteta has declined to comment directly on Guimarães, he has reiterated the club's intention to strengthen key areas of the squad and increase competition for places ahead of the new season.