Arsenal's summer transfer plans could be about to take a major turn, with the club pushing to add another elite midfielder to Mikel Arteta's squad.
After winning the Premier League, the Gunners are now in a position where they are not just looking for depth, they are looking for players who can immediately raise the level of the team.
Midfield is an area where Arsenal already have quality, but adding another powerful, technically secure player would give Arteta more control across a long season.
With Champions League football and another title defence ahead, this is exactly the kind of ambitious move that shows Arsenal want to stay at the top rather than simply enjoy last season's success.
Arsenal are reportedly pushing to sign Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United, with the midfielder having agreed personal terms with the club over a contract running until 2031.
The Gunners are now preparing to intensify their pursuit after Guimaraes informed Newcastle that he wants to leave and join the Premier League champions.
Arsenal could propose a deal worth around £60m, although Newcastle had not received a formal offer at that stage.
Newcastle United are not expected to make this easy, however, as they are determined to keep their captain, even though there is growing pressure around his future.
Arsenal must be careful not to overpay, as Newcastle will know how important Guimaraes is and will not want to lose another major player cheaply.
This feels like the type of deal that could define Arsenal's summer, and if they can get it done at a sensible price, their midfield would look even stronger, deeper and more ready for another title push.
