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The Athletic’s David Ornstein has reported that Arsenal and Newcastle are moving closer to a ‘total agreement’ over the transfer of Bruno Guimaraes.

Arsenal have not been as busy as several other Premier League clubs this summer, with Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta focusing on adding quality rather than quantity during this transfer window.

The Gunners have been in the market for a midfielder who can offer competition and cover for Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi, with the latter in particular appearing especially fatigued towards the end of the season.

Having been linked with a number of midfielders throughout the summer, it has become increasingly clear in recent weeks that Newcastle star Guimaraes is their leading target for that role.

Newcastle had spent weeks denying that club-to-club discussions had taken place, but the Magpies acknowledged yesterday that talks between the two sides had now started.

Now the move appears to be gathering pace quickly, with Ornstein reporting in The Athletic that Newcastle and Arsenal ‘are nearing a total agreement’ for Guimaraes.

Arsenal had a ‘verbal offer’ rejected recently, but Ornstein now says an agreement between all parties is drawing much nearer.

Ornstein added: ‘There is now, however, a desire among all parties to bring the situation to a close and a deal is on course for completion. Guimaraes is awaiting permission to undergo a medical and seal a move to north London.’

The Athletic journalist’s update was soon followed by further news from Ben Jacobs, who said that a ‘broad agreement’ is now in place among all parties.

Jacobs said: ‘Arsenal are finalising a deal for Bruno Guimaraes, as revealed with Alex Crook on talkSPORT last week. Advanced talks have been ongoing for some time. Newcastle sources have insisted formal talks only started a day ago, but verbal discussions have been ongoing for weeks. Broad agreement in place, pending final details. All parties expect the deal to go through. Guimaraes has already agreed terms.’

Earlier on Tuesday, Fabrizio Romano had said that Guimaraes is “practically a done deal” for Arsenal as they try to complete an agreement for the Newcastle midfielder.

Romano told time2play: “As for the midfield? There’s only one guy on their radar: Bruno Guimaraes.

“He’s practically a done deal for the Gunners, with talks between Newcastle and Arsenal heating up big time.

“They’re down to the final details before booking medicals and signing papers.

“Bruno has been a total dream target for Arteta, who’s been obsessed with getting him forever.”

Romano added in his Arsenal transfer update: “Arsenal are clearly set to be one of the busiest clubs in the Premier League.

“The reigning English champions have already signed Christos Tzolis to replace Leandro Trossard on the wing, but they are far from finished.

“The plan is to add another winger to Arteta’s squad, and they could also bring in a new centre-back because of William Saliba’s ongoing back issues.”