Newcastle United are demanding a transfer fee of at least £80 million for midfielder Bruno Guimaraes after the player informed the club of his desire to join Arsenal. The midfielder, who has not yet returned to Newcastle for pre-season following the World Cup, is understood to be keen to explore a move to the London club.
Arsenal have so far approached Newcastle only through intermediaries rather than direct contact and indicated willingness to bid around £60 million, a proposal Newcastle swiftly dismissed. The club requires close to £92 million up front, a figure just below the £100 million Tottenham Hotspur paid earlier this month for Sandro Tonali.
Newcastle are expected to face a formal Arsenal approach in due course. The club is simultaneously working on deals for a midfielder and a goalkeeper as they reshape their squad.