Arsenal are on the verge of completing the long-awaited signing of Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes after reaching a breakthrough in negotiations with the Magpies.

The Premier League champions have been pursuing the Brazil international for several weeks, and the transfer is now in its final stages, with only the remaining formalities to complete.

Guimaraes is reportedly awaiting permission to leave Newcastle’s pre-season training camp in La Manga, Spain, so he can travel to London to finalise the move and undergo a medical with the Gunners.

Arsenal are already making arrangements for the 28-year-old’s medical, with the deal expected to be completed later this week.

Although neither club has officially confirmed the transfer fee, reports suggest the package could be worth as much as £80 million.

Guimaraes has made it clear he wants to join Arsenal after emerging as Mikel Arteta’s top midfield target this summer.

The Brazilian joined Newcastle United from French club Lyon in January 2022 and quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s finest midfielders, eventually becoming club captain.

Known for his passing range, defensive work, leadership and ability to dictate the tempo of matches, Guimaraes is expected to add further quality and experience to Arsenal’s midfield as the club prepares to defend its Premier League title and compete for Champions League glory.

Newcastle and Arsenal have spent the past few days finalising the finer details of the agreement, with sources indicating the transfer is now considered a formality.

Once completed, Guimaraes will become one of Arsenal’s biggest signings of the summer and another significant addition to Arteta’s title-winning squad.