Newcastle United maintain that Bruno Guimaraes is not for sale despite the midfielder reaching an agreement to join Arsenal, according to reports.
Last month, Arsenal had made an approach to sign Guimaraes but their opening offer of £55 million, which was communicated through intermediaries, was turned down by Newcastle.
The Premier League champions have indicated that they would return with an improved bid before the end of the summer transfer window.
Guimaraes, meanwhile, has increased the pressure on Newcastle by informing the club that he wants to join Arsenal this summer.
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Reports in France also suggest that Guimaraes has already agreed terms on a five-year deal with the Premier League champions.
However, talkSPORT report that in response to Arsenal’s interest, Newcastle are ‘maintaining a not-for-sale stance’ with their captain.
Guimaraes is understood to have concerns over Newcastle’s direction after their failure to qualify for Europe and their decision to sell Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon this summer.
The Brazil international, who registered four assists at the World Cup but missed a penalty in the 2-1 defeat to Norway, still has two years remaining on his deal with Newcastle.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are also said to be ‘encouraged’ that an agreement can be reached with Newcastle over a deal for Guimaraes, who has been a key part of Eddie Howe’s side since his £40m move from Lyon four years ago.
Speaking last week, Guimaraes’ former teammate at Newcastle, Emil Krafth, highlighted the importance of the Brazilian midfielder to Howe’s side.
‘He’s the most important player in the team,’ Krafth told the BBC.
‘He manages the game so well, both physically and technically.
‘I hope they can keep him.There’s a lot of rumours surrounding him, which is not surprising because he’s had a good World Cup and a great season.’
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