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Arsenal have struck an agreement with Newcastle United for the transfer of captain Bruno Guimaraes after increasing their bid to €90m plus add-ons. The Brazilian midfielder has already settled personal terms on a long-term contract and asked for his pre-season travel to be delayed so the high-profile switch can be completed.

Gunners move closer to Guimaraes deal

Arsenal are now close to finalising a blockbuster move for Newcastle midfielder Guimaraes, according to L'Equipe. After their opening bids of €70m and €80m were rejected by the Magpies, the Gunners improved their proposal to a guaranteed €90m along with performance-related bonuses. The 28-year-old Brazil international has already agreed personal terms on a long-term deal that will run until 2031. He has been keen for more than a month to secure what he sees as a dream move to North London and become part of Mikel Arteta's midfield plans.

Midfielder puts travel on hold as transfer edges closer

As per talkSPORT, Guimaraes asked Newcastle to postpone his departure for their pre-season training camp in La Manga so the transfer could be completed. While Newcastle insist his itinerary had always remained flexible after the World Cup, sources close to the player say his travel arrangements were altered to help finalise the move.

The midfielder informed the club's hierarchy and former manager Eddie Howe that he wanted to leave St James' Park in order to play Champions League football. With Newcastle missing out on qualification for Europe's premier competition, the Brazilian captain made it clear that he wanted to pursue a fresh challenge.

Newcastle begin rebuild amid significant squad departures

Guimaraes' expected exit is another major setback for Newcastle in a summer marked by extraordinary squad turnover. The Magpies have already approved notable departures, with Sandro Tonali joining Tottenham Hotspur and Anthony Gordon moving to Barcelona, while manager Eddie Howe recently resigned from his role.

Newcastle had already prepared for the Brazilian's departure by signing Aladji Bamba from Monaco earlier this summer. At the same time, Guimaraes' former club Lyon are watching the talks closely, as a 20 per cent sell-on clause means the French club will receive more than €8m from the final transfer fee.

The Magpies now face a substantial rebuilding task with a significantly weakened squad before the new season begins. Newcastle must quickly bed in their new signings and reorganise their midfield options after losing key figures from the team.

With the remaining details over bonus payments and agent fees close to being resolved, Arsenal expect to complete the transfer in the next few days. Guimaraes will then undergo a medical before linking up with his new team-mates at the Emirates Stadium.