Arsenal are preparing a third bid for Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, as the north London club intensifies its pursuit of the Brazil international this summer.

The Gunners have already had two approaches rejected — one verbal approach worth an estimated £55 million and a second, submitted through agents and intermediaries, of around £65 million. Newcastle have rebuffed both, holding out for a figure they consider reflective of the player's true market value.

Newcastle's price tag

The Magpies are believed to be demanding somewhere between £90 million and £100 million for Guimaraes. The Daily Mail has previously suggested that £75 million might represent a workable middle ground, though transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has indicated that Newcastle will not move without a fee closer to £90 million.

Guimaraes wants out

What appears beyond doubt is that Guimaraes himself has decided he wants to leave St. James' Park and join Arsenal. At 28, the midfielder and his representatives are conscious that a lucrative move to one of Europe's elite clubs cannot be delayed indefinitely — from their perspective, the moment to act is now.

Williams also on the radar

Arsenal's activity in the transfer market may not stop at Guimaraes. The Gunners are also considering a move for Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, adding another high-profile target to their summer shortlist.