Bruno Guimaraes moves to Arsenal as Newcastle faces departures
Arsenal are closing in on one of the most significant transfers of the summer, with Bruno Guimaraes granted permission to travel south and complete a £75m move from Newcastle United to the Premier League champions.
The 28-year-old Brazil international is expected in London for a medical in the coming days after the clubs agreed a fee, with a formal announcement to follow once the final details are signed off. For Mikel Arteta, it is the cornerstone signing of a title defence. For Newcastle, it is another painful cut.
Guimaraes’ exit follows the departures of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali in a summer that has stripped Eddie Howe of three key figures. Newcastle insist they will not be bullied into losing any more of their core, but the reality is stark: the spine that carried them into the Champions League has been steadily dismantled.
Arteta, by contrast, is building again from a position of strength. Guimaraes offers control, bite and personality in midfield, a player comfortable dictating tempo or breaking lines with the ball at his feet. Arsenal have targeted him for precisely that blend – a midfielder who can sit with discipline, yet still drag a game in his direction when the contest frays.
The move also underlines Arsenal’s growing pull. They are not just champions; they are now shopping in the market for leaders of other top-six sides. Guimaraes, Newcastle’s captain, is not a depth signing. He is a statement.
Arsenal’s Vinicius Jr dream meets Real Madrid reality
Once Guimaraes is through the door, Arsenal will keep pushing on another front – the far more complicated pursuit of Vinicius Jr.
The Premier League champions admire the Real Madrid star and have explored the possibility of uniting him with his Brazil team-mate in north London. But the mood around the deal has shifted. Arsenal now believe it is increasingly likely Vinicius stays where he is.
Real Madrid have significantly improved their contract offer, moving much closer to the terms the 24-year-old wants. All sides feel the same gravitational pull: the Brazilian is more likely to sign a new deal at the Bernabeu than walk away at the peak of his powers.
For Arsenal, it is a reality check rather than a failure. Guimaraes is within reach. Vinicius remains, for now, the fantasy signing in a window already defined by ambition.
Liverpool eye double PSG raid as Salah era ends
On Merseyside, Liverpool are plotting a very different kind of statement. Andoni Iraola wants fresh firepower on the flanks after Mohamed Salah’s exit, and the club have turned firmly towards Paris Saint-Germain.
Liverpool are in talks over Bradley Barcola, but PSG’s £140m valuation is a major obstacle. The French champions, however, are close to sealing a £42.8m move for Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche, a deal that could loosen their grip on Barcola.
If Akliouche arrives, PSG would suddenly have an extra wide forward. That is the opening Liverpool are watching closely.
At the same time, the club’s interest in Ibrahim Mbaye has not cooled. Initial suggestions that Mbaye was an alternative to Barcola have been brushed aside. The plan, if finances allow, is bolder: both players.
Reports in France indicate Liverpool would like to bring the two PSG wide men to Anfield in what would be a staggering double swoop potentially costing more than £200m. It would reshape Iraola’s right side in one window and draw a firm line under the Salah era.
The numbers are eye-watering. The intent is clear.
Newcastle dig in over Lewis Hall
Back at Newcastle, the board are determined that Guimaraes’ sale will be the last major departure of the summer. Manchester United have identified Lewis Hall as their number one left-back target and are prepared to go to £60m, but Newcastle are refusing to engage.
The 21-year-old only joined permanently last season and is viewed as a long-term starter. With Tonali, Gordon and now Guimaraes leaving, Newcastle insist Hall is not for sale at any price.
United’s need is obvious. They want a modern, progressive left-back to anchor that side of the pitch for years. Newcastle’s stance is equally blunt. After weeks of outgoings, the club hierarchy are trying to draw a line in the sand.
Chelsea move for Pep Chavarria as Cucurella replacement
Chelsea, meanwhile, are closing in on a new left-back of their own. With Marc Cucurella heading out, Rayo Vallecano defender Pep Chavarria is set to become the club’s 10th signing of the window.
The 28-year-old Spaniard was identified with the help of head coach Xabi Alonso and is seen as a plug-and-play option for the role Cucurella leaves behind. It is a quieter deal by Chelsea’s recent standards, but a necessary one in a squad that has been in constant flux.
Bournemouth close on Juanlu Sanchez
Bournemouth are also active in the Spanish market. Juanlu Sanchez has travelled to England to complete a medical ahead of an £11.2m move from Sevilla.
The 22-year-old right-back is expected to finalise his switch shortly as Bournemouth continue to target younger, technically comfortable defenders capable of playing in a front-foot Premier League side.
Spurs cool interest in Nicolas Jackson
Across north London, Tottenham have moved quickly to shut down talk of a move for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson.
The 25-year-old has returned from a season-long loan at Bayern Munich and is available for another move, but Spurs have distanced themselves from the suggestion they are in for him. After spending £237m already this summer, they are not prioritising Jackson, even if another attacker is not completely off the table.
Names such as Cody Gakpo and Savinho remain under discussion. Jackson, though, is not on the list.
Norgaard swaps Arsenal for Everton as Arteta pays tribute
One deal already over the line is Christian Norgaard’s move from Arsenal to Everton. The 32-year-old midfielder has signed a two-year contract at Goodison Park in a £7m transfer, leaving the champions in search of a bigger role.
"I felt I needed a change and to play a bigger football role," Norgaard said after the move was confirmed. He spoke of being “intrigued” by David Moyes’ project and the direction laid out by the Everton hierarchy.
Arteta, for his part, was generous in farewell. He described Norgaard as Arsenal’s “glue player”, praising his ability to bring team-mates together and keep standards high, even when his minutes were limited.
"When I brought him here I said that he could be our glue player," Arteta said. "He has an incredible capacity to bring players together and keep the standards high. When he played, he had some really good moments as well. But I understand to fulfil that role for long periods is not easy. He had a massive opportunity with a manager and a club I know really well. I wish him all the best and thank you."
It is a move that suits all sides: Everton gain an experienced organiser in midfield, Norgaard gets the responsibility he craves, and Arsenal clear space in a department about to be reshaped by Guimaraes.
A window that started with quiet manoeuvres is now accelerating. Arsenal are about to land Newcastle’s captain. Liverpool are weighing up a £200m swing at PSG. Newcastle are trying to stop the bleeding.
The clock is ticking, and the next big decision could yet redraw the season before a ball is even kicked.
