Newcastle have turned down Arsenal's first formal offer for club captain Bruno Guimaraes, with the two sides still far apart on a valuation for the Brazil international midfielder, according to reports from RTE and the Press Association.

Talks between the Premier League champions and a Newcastle side currently without a head coach have entered an active phase, with direct communication now established between the clubs. Despite the rejection of the opening bid, Arsenal are expected to return with an improved offer.

Guimaraes keen on Emirates switch

A significant factor in Arsenal's persistence is Guimaraes himself, who has reportedly signalled his desire to leave St James' Park and join Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium this summer. The 27-year-old has been a cornerstone of Newcastle's midfield since arriving from Lyon for £40 million in January 2022, contributing 31 goals across 195 appearances.

Newcastle are acutely aware of their weakened negotiating position. Having already lost Anthony Gordon to Barcelona and Sandro Tonali to Tottenham this summer, the club are reluctant to sanction another departure from their first-choice squad.

Shadow of the Isak saga

Club officials are still dealing with the financial and sporting fallout from Alexander Isak's move to Liverpool last summer — a protracted affair in which the striker went on strike to push the transfer through. Newcastle will insist their terms are met before approving any deal for Guimaraes, though a repeat of that messy episode is considered unlikely for now.

Guimaraes is due to link up with his Newcastle team-mates at a pre-season training camp in La Manga. He had been granted an extra day's rest after representing Brazil at the World Cup, with the club relaxed about his delayed arrival.

Newcastle's summer of upheaval

Off the pitch, Newcastle are navigating a turbulent period. Lukas Hornicek became the club's fifth summer signing on Monday, joining goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen, winger Bazoumana Toure, and midfielders Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba.

The club are also searching for a new head coach following Eddie Howe's exit on Friday, and are reported to be close to appointing German coach Matthias Jaissle as his replacement.