Bruno Guimaraes has formally requested to leave Newcastle United, with Arsenal moving with renewed urgency to sign the Brazilian midfielder, according to BBC Sport.

Guimaraes, who joined Newcastle from Lyon in 2022, has been on Arsenal's radar throughout this summer window. The Premier League champions had explored the possibility of signing either Guimaraes or his former teammate Sandro Tonali, who has since completed a £92.5 million move to Tottenham.

Initial conversations around the financial terms of a deal for Guimaraes saw a fee of approximately £60 million discussed with the 28-year-old's representatives. Although Newcastle have not received any direct approach from Arsenal, Mikel Arteta's side are now preparing a formal offer for the midfielder.

Brazil's World Cup exit adds context

The timing of Arsenal's push coincides with Guimaraes missing a penalty as Brazil were eliminated from the World Cup at the last-16 stage by Norway on Sunday. Despite the disappointment on the international stage, his standing as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League remains unquestioned.

Arsenal are understood to be in the market for one central midfielder, with Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi also featuring in their considerations. The arrival of any new central midfielder is expected to trigger at least one departure from the same position, with Denmark international Christian Norgaard, 32, a player the club are willing to discuss with interested parties.

The addition of a new central midfielder may also affect the role of Martin Zubimendi in Arteta's starting lineup next season.

Newcastle reluctant to sell

Newcastle are not eager to part with Guimaraes — the club's captain and talisman — having already allowed Tonali and Anthony Gordon to depart in this transfer window. His age, turning 29 in November, is expected to be a significant factor in determining how much Arsenal are prepared to spend.

The summer has seen considerable midfield movement across the Premier League. Manchester City agreed a club-record £116 million deal with Nottingham Forest for England midfielder Elliot Anderson, while Mateus Fernandes moved from West Ham to Tottenham for £85 million.