Arsenal could reportedly sign Bruno Guimaraes at a discounted price thanks to a verbal agreement in place with Newcastle. The 26-year-old has been linked with a summer move away from St James' Park, with Arsenal thought to be keen on bringing him to north London.
Newcastle are said to be eager to keep Guimaraes on their books as they prepare for a renewed top-four challenge next season. However, it seems they might be powerless to stop Arsenal from poaching him if the Gunners decide to firm up their interest in the summer.
The midfielder has a release clause of £100million but there is a chance Arsenal could sign him for less, according to 90min. It is said that a 'verbal agreement' would allow Guimaraes to speak to Champions League clubs if they submit offers below the value of his release clause, providing they still exceed £80m.
Newcastle are reportedly looking to raise money through player sales to ensure their compliance with Premier League financial rules next season. It has led to speculation that a number of their star players could leave, with Guimaraes said to be among the sellable assets in question.
Watch all the Premier League and Champions League drama unfold on TNT Sports
Any significant fee received for the Brazilian would also help Newcastle to land a replacement when the bidding opens in the summer. Kalvin Phillips and Conor Gallagher, who could both be on the move later this year, are said to have been looked at by the Magpies in the past.
It remains to be seen if Arsenal will end up bringing Guimaraes to the Emirates Stadium, but it seems he may prefer the idea of staying at Newcastle. He recently purchased a new home in Daras Hall, an exclusive neighbourhood in Northumberland, with The Sun reporting that it will become the primary residence for his wife and two children.
Don't miss...
Liverpool in £69m transfer fight with Man Utd for player who is an Arsenal fan [LATEST]
Erik ten Hag future thrown into fresh doubt as Man Utd make Jason Wilcox request [GOSSIP]
John Terry fights back tears after Jose Mourinho sends emotional message [NEWS]
His agent Alexis Malavolta recently claimed that he was 'very happy' at Newcastle in a now-deleted post on X (formerly Twitter), which read: "Please respect and don't make up stories. Bruno is very happy in Newcastle. THANKS!"
Guimaraes has started in all but one of Newcastle's league games this season, only missing their defeat to Bournemouth in November due to a yellow card suspension. He has chipped in with four goals and eight assists in all competitions and remains tied down to the Magpies until the summer of 2028.