Arsenal Bruno Guimarães move gathers pace after personal terms report
Arsenal have reportedly agreed terms with Bruno Guimarães, but Newcastle are expected to push back on a £70m opening bid.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
3 min read
The Arsenal Bruno Guimarães chase has taken a serious step, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the Newcastle United midfielder has agreed personal terms with the Gunners.
Arsenal are now preparing a formal offer worth about £70 million for the Brazil international, according to Romano. Newcastle, though, are expected to turn down that first approach because they do not want to lose one of their main players.
The deal is not being treated as dead at Arsenal. Romano reports that the club still believes an agreement can be reached, with Mikel Arteta pushing inside the club for the move as he looks to add another midfield option.
Will Arsenal sign Bruno Guimarães?
There is no completed transfer yet. The reported personal terms would only cover the player’s side of the deal, while Arsenal would still need Newcastle to accept a fee before Guimarães could move.
That is the hard part. Newcastle’s expected rejection of a £70m bid shows the gap Arsenal may have to close if they want to land the midfielder.
Manchester United look at Tchouaméni
Manchester United have asked about Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni, according to The Sun.
The report says new Real Madrid head coach José Mourinho would be willing to approve the France international’s exit if it helped fund a move for Manchester City midfielder Rodri. ESPN has reported, citing sources, that the Spain captain remains a target at the Bernabéu.
United are looking for a defensive midfielder after Casemiro’s departure and Manuel Ugarte’s long-term injury, The Sun reports. Tchouaméni is seen as a strong fit because of his age, experience and availability, according to the same report.
Chelsea lead Alajbegovic race
Chelsea are in front for Bayer Leverkusen teenager Kerim Alajbegovic, according to the Daily Telegraph.
Juventus and Fiorentina are also interested in the Bosnia-Herzegovina international, but the report says Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso is keen on bringing him in. Alajbegovic, 18, developed at Leverkusen, joined RB Salzburg last summer, scored 13 goals in 44 matches for the Austrian club and returned to Leverkusen this summer.
He is under contract until June 2031, according to the Daily Telegraph, but his World Cup performances have drawn fresh attention.
Arsenal also eye defensive cover
Arsenal are also considering John Stones and Ezri Konsa after William Saliba was ruled out for a long spell with a back injury, according to Sky Sports.
Sky reports that Stones, now a free agent, is viewed as a cheaper short-term option. Aston Villa defender Konsa is admired for his ability to play in more than one role, but any deal for him would be harder to complete.
Dortmund bid knocked back
Borussia Dortmund have had an opening offer for FC Cologne winger Said El Mala rejected, according to Sky Germany.
The bid was made up of €26m guaranteed plus €16m in achievable bonuses and add-ons, but Cologne’s asking price is €50m, the report says. El Mala, 19, is open to joining Dortmund this summer, according to Sky Germany.
Elsewhere, Barcelona have signed Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund. ESPN sources say the deal is worth an initial €22m, with another €7m possible in add-ons.
This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.