Arsenal target Bruno Guimaraes as Newcastle prepare midfield overhaul

Arsenal are escalating their interest in Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes as the Magpies line up multiple midfield reinforcements.

The North London club recently had a verbal proposal of £45m rejected by Eddie Howe’s side.

However, hopes of securing the 28-year-old have been boosted by proactive transfer activity at St James’ Park.

Midfield reshuffle on Tyneside

Newcastle have reportedly struck an initial £23m agreement with Ajax for 18-year-old prospect Sean Steur.

The highly-rated teenager is expected to travel to the North East for a medical in the coming days.

Following the £100m sale of Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur, the club are also preparing to open negotiations with Freiburg for Swiss international Johan Manzambi.

World Cup exploits and valuation

These impending acquisitions suggest a succession plan could be in place if the Brazilian international decides to seek a fresh challenge.

The box-to-box dynamo recently returned from the World Cup, where he provided four assists before his nation suffered a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the round of 16.

He remains invaluable to the Tyneside outfit, having contributed nine goals and six assists in the Premier League last season.

Resolving the contract situation

While public insistence remains that their skipper is firmly off the market, an offer in the region of £65m could reportedly test Newcastle’s resolve.

The influential playmaker is under contract until 2028, placing his current employers in a formidable negotiating position.

Alternatively, the hierarchy at St James’ Park are willing to initiate contract extension discussions this summer to fend off further interest from the capital.