Guimaraes has been on Arsenal’s radar since his Athletico Paranaense days in 2020. The club continued to monitor him after his move to Lyon, before Newcastle signed him in 2022.
That history gives Arsenal a detailed view of his development. The Brazil international offers strength in duels, composure under pressure and the passing range to influence games from deeper midfield positions. Those qualities fit the demands of Mikel Arteta’s system, particularly when Arsenal need control against compact opposition.
Berta’s involvement also adds fresh momentum. The new sporting structure is reviewing several midfield options, but Guimaraes appears to be a particularly familiar target rather than a late-window solution.
Newcastle’s position is straightforward: they do not want to sell Guimaraes. His captaincy and importance to the team make any departure difficult, especially if the club loses more midfield experience.
Reports say Sandro Tonali could join Tottenham Hotspur in a deal worth £100 million, while Anthony Gordon has been linked with a move to Barcelona after a reported £70m transfer. If both departures materialise, Newcastle would face major rebuilding work.
Selling Guimaraes as well would remove another established leader and leave Eddie Howe’s squad short of proven quality. That gives Newcastle a strong sporting reason to resist, even if Arsenal are optimistic about finding a route through the negotiation.
For Arsenal, this is about more than adding another midfielder. Guimaraes would provide technical security, defensive aggression and tactical flexibility in a squad competing across multiple fronts.
The next step will depend on Newcastle’s wider transfer plans and Arsenal’s willingness to make a major investment. Tonali’s future, Gordon’s situation and Newcastle’s replacement strategy will shape whether this long-running interest finally becomes a formal bid.