Arsenal are in direct negotiations with Newcastle United over the signing of midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, with formal talks now replacing earlier discussions conducted through intermediaries.

The 28-year-old Brazil international is eager to make the move to Arsenal, the reigning Premier League champions. Those close to the deal believe a resolution is drawing closer, though nothing has been confirmed.

BBC Sport reported previously that Arsenal would need to raise their bid beyond an initial £70 million offer made through intermediaries last month. A source at Newcastle has since confirmed the club rejected that approach, but it is expected that Arsenal will return with a higher offer.

Arteta's ambitions clear

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta declined to speak directly about Guimaraes over the weekend, though he made no secret of the club's intentions in the transfer market. "We are very active and very ambitious in what we want to do," Arteta said, adding that the squad needed greater internal competition and that the club were working to address specific gaps in the team.

Guimaraes has travelled to Spain to join Newcastle's pre-season training camp in La Manga as scheduled, following a break after the World Cup. The midfielder contributed nine goals and eight assists across all competitions last season as Newcastle finished 12th in the Premier League.

With Arsenal targeting further reinforcements after their title-winning campaign, Guimaraes has emerged as the club's primary midfield objective this summer.