Arsenal have held exploratory talks over potential summer moves for Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, as the club searches for a new central midfielder ahead of next season.

The Gunners are understood to want one leading central midfielder rather than multiple signings, with Guimaraes and Tonali among several options being actively assessed. Discussions have taken place with representatives from both players' camps to establish what a deal might look like — though Newcastle have not yet received a formal approach from Arsenal.

Newcastle's position

Newcastle United are determined to hold onto their key assets. The club rejected a bid of around £80 million from Tottenham Hotspur for Tonali, and they are equally reluctant to part with Guimaraes, their captain and talisman. Guimaraes is currently representing Brazil at the World Cup, where they face Japan in the last 32, and has two years remaining on his contract.

BBC Sport understands Newcastle could command a fee closer to £100 million for Tonali, with Manchester City also monitoring the situation. The Italian, who turns 27 later this year, is effectively contracted until 2030 having signed an extension during his 10-month betting ban — a move that underlined the club's loyalty to him.

The wider transfer market may strengthen Newcastle's hand further. Manchester City have agreed a club-record £116 million deal with Nottingham Forest for Elliot Anderson, while West Ham are seeking up to £80 million for Mateus Fernandes, 21 — valuations that set a high benchmark for midfielders across the Premier League.

Other targets in the frame

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is known for evaluating several options simultaneously before committing to a final decision. Alongside Guimaraes and Tonali, the Gunners have shown firm interest in Bournemouth's 22-year-old Alex Scott — who is also attracting attention from Manchester United and Chelsea — and have internally assessed the cases for Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi of Lille and West Ham's Fernandes, a player Tottenham are also pursuing.

Age will be a significant factor in Arsenal's decision-making. Guimaraes turns 29 in November, while Tonali turned 26 in May — costs that must be weighed against the fees Newcastle would demand.

Should Arsenal bring in a new central midfielder, a current squad member is likely to depart. Denmark international Christian Norgaard, 32, is someone the club would listen to offers for, and the signing could also raise questions over Martin Zubimendi's place in Mikel Arteta's starting XI.

Newcastle must signal ambition

The transfer window has barely opened, yet some of the Premier League's wealthiest clubs are already circling Newcastle's most important players. Losing Guimaraes and Tonali — in addition to potentially Anthony Gordon or Alexander Isak — within a single summer would send a damaging message about the club's ambitions.

Guimaraes, who was voted Newcastle's player of the year despite the club finishing 12th in the Premier League last season, scored nine goals — his most prolific campaign to date. He is irreplaceable in the eyes of many at St James' Park.

After missing out on Spain forward Victor Munoz, who chose Liverpool over Newcastle, the club desperately need a statement signing of their own — one that reassures their current squad that the project is still moving forward.