Arsenal in talks to sign Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes

Premier League champions Arsenal F.C. are in talks with Newcastle United F.C. over the signing of midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.

Formal negotiations between the clubs are under way after earlier discussions were conducted through intermediaries.

The 28-year-old Brazil international is understood to be keen on a move to Arsenal, although the two clubs have yet to reach an agreement.

While the value of the rejected offer has not been disclosed by either club, Arsenal are expected to return with an improved proposal as negotiations continue.

Guimaraes has travelled with the Newcastle squad to their pre-season training camp in La Manga, Spain, following his post-World Cup break.

The midfielder has emerged as one of Arsenal’s top transfer targets as manager Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his squad after leading the club to the Premier League title last season.

Speaking over the weekend, Arteta declined to comment directly on Guimaraes but said Arsenal were “very active” in the transfer market.

“We’re very ambitious in what we want to do,” he said. “We need to increase the competition internally. We need to make sure we identify the things that we don’t have in the team.”

Guimaraes scored nine goals and provided eight assists in all competitions last season, despite Newcastle finishing 12th in the Premier League.