Arsenal set Bruno Guimaraes transfer deadline after 'progress' with £75m deal

Bruno Guimaraes wants to join Arsenal this summer (Shutterstock)

Arsenal are hoping to reach an agreement with Newcastle United over a deal for Bruno Guimaraes by the end of the week, according to reports.

Guimaraes has already agreed a deal to join Arsenal and has told Newcastle that he wants to join Mikel Arteta ’s side this summer.

However, Newcastle have grown frustrated over Arsenal’s lack of direct talks to discuss a deal for their captain.

Arsenal’s opening bid of £55 million, which was communicated through intermediaries, was turned down by Newcastle last month .

The Premier League champions have followed that up with a £70m proposal but that has also been rejected by Newcastle .

According to talkSPORT , Arsenal have made progress with Newcastle over a deal worth in excess of £75m.

Eddie Howe admits he is unsure over Bruno Guimaraes’ future at Newcastle (Reuters)

The report adds that Arsenal have made the signing of Guimaraes a priority and want an agreement in place before the end of July.

However, Chronicle Live reports that Arsenal have not held club-to-club negotiations with Newcastle and the St James’ Park hierarchy are ‘growing tired’ of suggestions that the Gunners have submitted an improved offer.

Guimaraes is set to report for pre-season training with Newcastle on Friday ahead of their training camp in La Manga next week.

Speaking last weekend, Eddie Howe said that he could offer no guarantees over Guimaraes’ future at Newcastle.

‘We’ve had some really good conversations, before the World Cup, during the World Cup and after the World Cup,’ Howe said after Newcastle’s 1-1 draw with Gateshead on Saturday.

‘What we speak about obviously has to remain private but just a great player, a great person.

‘I don’t know what’s going to happen with Bruno’s future. That’s for other people to speculate about, but also conversations that I’m not part of.

‘We don’t want to lose our best players, that’s an obvious statement to make. So, losing those big two is painful for us, and difficult.

‘For me, it’s been another challenging summer so far, but we’re always trying to do our best for the football club, short and long-term, and try and get the squad in its best shape.’