Arsenal is in ‘advanced talks’ to sell a midfielder as Bruno Guimarães deal is close to being finished.
A key Arsenal midfielder is reportedly close to leaving the club, while Arsenal are also nearing a deal to sign Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimarães.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Arsenal and Newcastle are “close to a full agreement” for the transfer. Bruno has already told Newcastle he wants to leave. Arsenal were ready to pay up to £60 million for the 28-year-old, although an earlier offer under that amount was turned down. Newcastle had said their captain wasn’t for sale, but now everyone involved seems eager to finish the deal. Bruno is expected to have a medical once he gets permission to leave Newcastle’s training camp in Spain.
While fans will be excited about Bruno coming in, this could mean Ethan Nwaneri’s time at Arsenal might be coming to an end. Nwaneri, who made history as Arsenal’s youngest ever player at just 15, spent last season on loan at Marseille but only played nine times. Now, Arsenal are reportedly in advanced talks to sell the 19-year-old, likely including a buy-back option.
Journalist Carlo Pellegatti shared that Arsenal have been talking with RB Leipzig about a move, and Serie A’s AC Milan has also shown interest. Arsenal value Nwaneri between £30-35 million and want a buy-back clause around £50 million in the deal.
Manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged that Nwaneri’s loan at Marseille “wasn’t ideal,” but praised his growth. After Arsenal’s 4-1 friendly win over Girona, Arteta said, “On paper the experience wasn’t perfect, but he’s become more mature and it will help his career a lot.”
This summer, Arsenal have already signed Illan Meslier, Christos Tzolis, and Piero Hincapié, with more moves expected before the transfer window closes on September 1.
“We’re working hard to improve the team,” said Arteta on August 1. “We expect some changes soon. We want to get better like everyone else, and you can see from the market what we’re doing. We won’t stay still — we’re very ambitious.”
Arsenal will start their title defense at home against newly promoted Coventry on August 21.