Arsenal have taken their pursuit of Bruno Guimarães into a new phase after opening formal negotiations with Newcastle United and submitting an initial transfer proposal. However, the Premier League side quickly dismissed the first offer, making it clear they are not prepared to lower their valuation of the Brazilian midfielder.

The North London club have tracked Guimarães for much of the summer as Mikel Arteta continues searching for a top-class midfielder to strengthen his squad before the new campaign. Their first bid, believed to be worth around £70 million, failed to convince Newcastle’s hierarchy.

Newcastle Captain Meets Matthias Jaissle

Following an extended break in Brazil after the World Cup, Guimarães joined Newcastle’s pre-season preparations in La Manga, Spain, where he met incoming head coach Matthias Jaissle for the first time.

Speculation had suggested the 28-year-old could instead travel to London for a medical examination with Arsenal. Rather than heading to the capital, Guimarães boarded a commercial flight to Spain and linked up with his teammates at the training camp.

Reports indicate the midfielder intended to inform Jaissle that he is eager to continue his career in North London. Even so, any transfer remains dependent on Arsenal matching Newcastle’s financial expectations.

Valuation Gap Still Separates the Clubs

Although Arsenal consider approximately £70 million to be a fair price for Guimarães, Newcastle’s position remains considerably firmer. Club officials reportedly value their captain closer to £80 million, creating a significant gap between the two sides.

Negotiations initially began through intermediaries, and while there is optimism that both clubs could eventually find common ground, Newcastle are under little pressure to compromise.

Guimarães still has two years remaining on his current contract, giving Newcastle a strong negotiating position throughout the discussions.

Newcastle Prefer to Keep Their Midfield Leader

Despite Arsenal’s growing interest, Newcastle would rather retain one of their most influential players as Jaissle begins rebuilding the squad.

The club have already sanctioned the departures of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona and Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur during the current transfer window. Losing another senior figure is not viewed as an ideal scenario, particularly with Guimarães offering leadership, quality, and valuable Premier League experience.

Jaissle, who recently arrived from Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli after previous success with RB Salzburg, is understood to be assessing the Brazilian’s mentality and commitment ahead of Newcastle’s opening Premier League fixture against Liverpool, scheduled for two weeks on Sunday.

Although the 38-year-old has already started working with the squad after arriving in southern Spain on Saturday, Newcastle are still waiting for the final administrative procedures before officially confirming him as Eddie Howe’s successor.

Hornicek Arrives as Goalkeeping Plans Change

While uncertainty surrounds Guimarães’ future, Newcastle completed another significant piece of business by securing the signing of goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek from Braga in a deal worth £26 million.

The 24-year-old Czech shot-stopper is expected to become Newcastle’s new first-choice goalkeeper, a development that could pave the way for Nick Pope to depart St James’ Park.

Hornicek impressed Newcastle’s recruitment staff after recording seven clean sheets during Braga’s journey to the Europa League semi-finals last season. Standing 6ft 6in tall, he provides a commanding presence inside the penalty area while also earning recognition for his composure and technical ability with the ball at his feet, qualities expected to strengthen Newcastle’s build-up play from the back.

Hull City had previously attempted to sign Hornicek following their promotion, but the goalkeeper rejected that opportunity last month before completing his move to Newcastle.