Arsenal step up interest in signing £100 million-rated Premier League star: Reports

Arsenal have reportedly stepped up their interest in signing Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United in the middle of the ongoing 2024-25 season.

Guimaraes, 27, has established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League since departing Olympique Lyonnais in a £40 million switch in January 2022. He has proved to be one of the crucial reasons behind the Magpies' recent upturn in stature.

Now, according to Spanish website Fichajes.net, Arsenal are interested in roping in Guimaraes in the upcoming January transfer window. They are likely to face tough competition from Manchester City in the near future.

However, Newcastle deem the Brazilian as one of their most important players and a January move is believed to be unlikely. Eddie Howe's side are only willing to sell the right-footed midfielder for around £100 million.

So far, the ex-Athletico Paranaense star has started 107 of his 121 appearances in all competitions for the Magpies. He has contributed 17 goals and as many assists for his current club since arriving in January 2022.

Arsenal backed to win next league contest

In his column for BBC, former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton predicted a 2-1 Premier League victory for the Gunners in their home game against Nottingham Forest. He wrote:

"Arsenal cannot keep on dropping points and I would be a little worried about them if Declan Rice is not fit enough to feature here. But at least Martin Odegaard is coming back to full fitness after his injury, and I feel like he will be the difference. Gunners fans will be hoping that he can lift the team, and help them look more dangerous in open play."

Sutton, who lifted the Premier League trophy in 1995, concluded:

"Odegaard is their one player who is on a different level when he is on the ball, and almost plays a different game. He has that incredible awareness and understanding that allows him to knit everything together, and Arsenal will need that against Forest. Nuno Espirito Santo's side will be stubborn and difficult to break down."

Mikel Arteta's side are fourth in the 2024-25 Premier League standings with just 19 points from 11 matches so far. Nottingham Forest, on the other hand, are fifth with 19 points but an inferior goal difference of +5.

The Gunners have recorded four wins and three defeats in their past seven games across all competitions against Nuno Espirito Santo's outfit.