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Midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has now become Mikel Arteta’s top transfer objective after Arsenal missed out on Morgan Rogers this summer.

The north London club have long admired the 28-year-old Brazilian, dating back to before his move from Lyon to Newcastle United in January 2022.

Following their failure to land Rogers — who had been Arsenal’s primary target — the Gunners have shifted their focus towards Guimaraes.

According to Standard Sport, official negotiations between Arsenal and Newcastle United are yet to commence.

Sources close to Newcastle maintain that their Premier League rivals have not made any formal approach or offer for the midfielder.

The Magpies have made it clear they will not be pressured into selling their captain and are determined to retain his services.

However, Arsenal are now expected to ramp up their pursuit of Guimaraes in the coming weeks as Arteta seeks to reinforce his midfield options.

Reports suggest the Gunners have already held discussions with Guimaraes’s representatives and have received positive signals that a transfer could be achievable this summer.

Arsenal have indicated they would be ready to submit a bid in the region of £60 million for the Brazilian international.

That figure was shared with Newcastle, who promptly dismissed the informal proposal.

It is believed Newcastle would only consider parting ways with Guimaraes if an offer significantly higher than £60 million were tabled.

The midfielder has not yet returned for pre-season training, having been granted additional rest following his participation in the World Cup with Brazil.

Whether Guimaraes actively pushes for the move could prove decisive in how drawn-out the transfer saga becomes.

Newcastle, who have already sold Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon this summer, are reluctant to lose another key player.

Meanwhile, Arsenal’s midfield rebuild remains a priority for Arteta, who is eager to bring in a player capable of stepping straight into the first team.

Declan Rice’s fitness will need to be carefully managed during pre-season after the midfielder dealt with neural pain in his hamstring for the past six months. He has been given three weeks off before returning to training.

Earlier in the summer, Arsenal made enquiries about Ayyoub Bouaddi and have also expressed interest in Alex Scott.

Scott has declined new contract offers from Bournemouth, and while talks over an extension have stalled, the Cherries remain hopeful of keeping him for the upcoming season even without a new deal.