Arsenal are reportedly preparing a £70m offer for Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes, according to BBC News, as the Gunners continue their push to strengthen the midfield ahead of the new campaign.
Guimaraes has established himself as one of the Premier League's most influential midfielders since arriving at St James' Park, becoming a key leader for Eddie Howe's side and eventually taking on the captaincy. His combination of tempo-setting passing and defensive drive has made him a wanted man, with Arsenal understood to view him as an ideal addition to Mikel Arteta's engine room.
Whether Newcastle would be willing to sanction a sale of their captain remains to be seen, particularly given his importance to Howe's project on Tyneside. Arsenal have been active in the market this summer as they look to close the gap on the Premier League's top sides, and landing a player of Guimaraes' profile would represent a significant statement of intent.
Nothing has been confirmed by either club at this stage, with the report suggesting talks are yet to progress beyond Arsenal's interest.