Arsenal news: Bruno Guimaraes transfer twist as Gunners learn key condition for deal

Arsenal are expected to spend big in the summer transfer window after winning the Premier League last season

With the pressure of ending the club’s 22-year wait for a Premier League title now lifted, optimism is high around the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal prepare for the new season. Mikel Arteta’s side finally got their hands on the trophy in May, but there is still unfinished business after falling at the final hurdle in Europe, losing on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final.

The Spaniard is determined to ensure the Gunners return even stronger and is expected to be backed heavily in the transfer market over the coming weeks. Sporting director Andrea Berta has reportedly been handed a transfer war chest of around £250million, while Piero Hincapie has already become Arsenal’s first permanent signing of the summer after making his loan move permanent from Bayer Leverkusen for £34.5m.

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Strengthening the heart of midfield is understood to be one of Arteta’s biggest priorities ahead of the new campaign. However, Arsenal have now suffered setbacks in their pursuit of two leading targets in that area.

Mirror Football takes a closer look at what those developments could mean for the Gunners’ summer transfer plans.

Bruno Guimaraes transfer twist

Bruno Guimareas, who provided the winning assist in Brazil ’s Round of 32 victory over Japan at the World Cup on Tuesday, has emerged as a leading midfield target for the Premier League champions. According to Chronicle Live, an intermediary offer of £45m for the Newcastle United captain has already been rejected.

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Meanwhile, reports in Brazil suggesting Guimaraes has a £60m release clause in his contract were swiftly dismissed, with sources on Tyneside insisting no such clause exists. That is not the only contractual hurdle Arsenal could face in their pursuit of the 28-year-old’s signature.

The Magpies also hold the option to extend Guimaraes’ current deal by a further 12 months, reports Shields Gazette. If activated, the clause would keep the Brazil international tied to St James’ Park until the summer of 2029, further strengthening Newcastle’s negotiating position and making any move to north London even trickier.

Gunners learn key condition for deal

If Arsenal fail to prise Guimaraes away from Newcastle, attention could instead turn to Lille starlet Ayyoub Bouaddi. The 18-year-old Moroccan has enhanced his growing reputation with a string of eye-catching displays in midfield at the World Cup.

He is reportedly attracting interest from a host of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Manchester City, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Arsenal. According to the Standard, Lille have slapped a £70m price tag on the teenage midfielder this summer.

However there is a catch, with the Ligue 1 side only prepared to accept that fee if the buying club agrees to loan Bouaddi straight back for the 2026-27 season. Should Arsenal insist on taking him to the Emirates Stadium immediately, then the asking price will rise to around £85m.