Arsenal reignite transfer interest in Man City target ahead of sporting director arrival | OneFootball

Incoming Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is pushing for a summer deal to be struck for Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, a report has revealed.

After a disappointingly quiet January window, Arsenal are expected to be active in the summer and will soon confirm the arrival of former Atletico Madrid transfer guru Berta to lead their search for reinforcements.

Bolstering in midfield is expected to be a priority for Arsenal, who could lose both Thomas Partey and Jorginho at the end of the season. Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi is a key target for manager Mikel Arteta.

Berta, however, has other ideas as AS state it is Guimaraes who sits top of his transfer shortlist. The Italian is said to have failed to sign Newcastle's midfield general three times during his time at Atletico Madrid but now senses an opportunity to finally get a deal over the line.

Contact has reportedly been made between Berta and Guimaraes' entourage to make the sporting director's feelings known. While the 27-year-old is in no rush to leave Newcastle, he recognises the chance of battling for major silverware that would come with a move to Arsenal.

Arsenal have long admired Guimaraes but, alongside fellow suitors Manchester City, have previously baulked at a release clause of £100m in the Brazil international's contract.

Things could be different this summer though as the report claims Guimaraes has a verbal agreement with Newcastle to leave the club for around £60m if they fail to qualify for the Champions League. Eddie Howe's side currently sit sixth in the Premier League table, two points adrift of the top four.

Guimaraes is not the only Newcastle player of interest to Arsenal, who are determined to land striker Alexander Isak's signature this summer.