Arsenal's opening bid for Bruno Guimaraes has been rejected by Newcastle.
The Premier League champions are now in direct talks with Newcastle over a deal for their captain.
Guimaraes is in Spain to report back for their pre-season camp in La Manga.
The 28-year-old told Newcastle bosses last month he wants to join Arsenal this summer.
Newcastle want their captain to stay and he has two years left on his contract plus a club-held option for a third.
Arsenal are now discussing internally whether to go back in with an improved offer.
Guimaraes, who joined the Magpies in 2022 from Lyon for £40m, has made 195 appearances for Newcastle, scoring 31 goals.
More to follow...