Arsenal appear to be gearing up for a highly-anticipated summer transfer window, with soon-to-be sporting director Andrea Berta at the helm. The former Atletico Madrid transfer guru is reportedly on the verge of taking reigns at the Emirates Stadium.
Berta has reportedly identified a host of transfer targets for the summer of 2025, meaning the Gunners are set to undergo a massive overhaul.
One of the names high on Berta’s wishlist is Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, with whose representatives he has already made contact, according to a report from The Sun.
Berta is said to have followed the Brazilian’s development during his spell at Lyon and tried to bring him to Atletico Madrid. Now, he is looking to make the Magpies star a marquee signing for the Gunners.
Guimaraes has grown into one of the most prominent midfielders in Europe since his transfer from Lyon to Newcastle. He has been a pivotal figure behind Newcastle’s resurgence under Eddie Howe, qualifying for the Champions League in the 2022/23 season and in contention for the top-four this term as well.
The 27-year-old’s staggering rise has drawn interest from European heavyweights, including the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
The Gunners also have an advantage, with Newcastle said to be ready to sell Guimaraes for a cut-price fee worth £60 million should they fail to qualify for UCL.
Will Guimaraes be a good addition to Arsenal?
Arsenal have been extravagant when it comes to buying midfielders, as were the cases with Thomas Partey and Declan Rice in the past.
With Jorginho and Partey running out of contract this summer, reinforcements are needed in the middle of the park.
While Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad tops the transfer wishlist of the Gunners, Guimaraes can be an even better acquisition given his experience in the Premier League and higher ceiling.
The Brazilian can function as a top-quality ball-winner and a deep-lying midfielder. Besides, he can be lethal in transitions with his dangerous runs and ball-carrying abilities. He is also an excellent dribbler, a high-volume shot-taker and crashes the box very often, making him an all-round player.
Above all, Guimaraes’ fighting spirit and hunger to succeed can make him a missing piece of the puzzle for Mikel Arteta’s side in their quest to win titles.
Guimaraes has a contract running until June 2028 and has repeatedly vowed his commitment to the Toon, but a sale could be inevitable if an exorbitant offer arrives.
Arsenal can match the Brazilian’s title aspirations and also provide him with regular Champions League football. While the Gunners have deeper pockets to lure him to the Emirates Stadium, it remains to be seen whether they can fend off other suitors.
