Bruno Guimaraes has been pushing for a move to Arsenal since January, with the Brazilian midfielder's desire to leave Newcastle United now an open secret in football circles.

The 27-year-old has reportedly made his ambitions clear to those around him, identifying Arsenal as his preferred destination as he seeks a new chapter in his career. His wish to depart St. James' Park has been an open secret for some months, and sources indicate his stance has not wavered.

Newcastle are understood to be aware of their midfield anchor's intentions, and the club have begun mapping out how they would handle his departure should a formal offer arrive. The north-east club find themselves in a delicate position — they have little desire to lose one of their most influential players, yet they cannot afford to ignore the dynamics at play.

An exit on Newcastle's terms

Sources close to the situation suggest Newcastle would demand a significant fee for Guimaraes, who has been central to their recent rise as a Premier League force. The club are not prepared to negotiate from a position of weakness, and any sale would need to reflect his standing as one of the division's elite midfielders.

Arsenal, for their part, have long admired the former Lyon man and view him as a profile that fits the demands of manager Mikel Arteta's system. The Gunners have been searching for additional midfield quality as they continue to mount a sustained title challenge.

Whether a deal can be reached between the two clubs remains to be seen. But with Guimaraes having held this ambition since the start of the year, the pressure on Newcastle to find a resolution — one way or another — is only growing.