Newcastle United have rejected Arsenal’s latest formal proposal for Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, in a dramatic setback for the London club’s attempts to complete what they viewed as the summer’s leading transfer.
The decision was reported on Monday by The Chronicle, which closely follows Newcastle United, despite earlier reports from major British outlets including BBC Sport and The Times suggesting that the two clubs were close to reaching an agreement worth €93m.
Arsenal have made a sustained effort to sign the 28-year-old, who is understood to be keen to leave Newcastle United and move to the north London club. However, the latest development indicates that Newcastle remain unwilling to approve his departure.
The Magpies have now rejected a succession of bids from Arsenal. Their earlier proposals were understood to be worth €64m, €75m and €85m, with each offer turned down before the latest approach was made.
Deal that appeared close now in doubt
There had been growing confidence last Friday that the transfer was nearing completion. BBC Sport, The Times and other prominent British media outlets reported that an agreement worth €93m was close, matching the figure Newcastle had reportedly wanted from the outset.
The move also appeared to have advanced on the player’s side. Guimaraes, a former Olympique Lyonnais midfielder, had reportedly agreed to a five-year contract with Arsenal, a development that was viewed as a significant step towards finalising the transfer.
Reports in the British media also indicated that the Brazil international was expected to travel to London soon for a medical. His anticipated arrival was seen as further evidence that negotiations had progressed to the final stages and that an official announcement could follow shortly.
Those expectations have been challenged by The Chronicle’s latest report. The newspaper said Newcastle had refused another official Arsenal bid for Guimaraes, but did not disclose the value of the offer.
The rejection represents a major blow to Arsenal’s plans to strengthen their midfield before the new season begins. The club had hoped to conclude the deal quickly after the apparent breakthrough in negotiations and the reported agreement over personal terms.
Instead, the transfer has returned to uncertainty, with Newcastle maintaining their position despite Arsenal’s repeated attempts to secure the midfielder. No agreement between the clubs has been confirmed, and the latest report suggests the proposed €93m move is not yet close to being completed.
