Arsenal are ramping up their efforts to sign Newcastle United central midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, with sporting director Andrea Berta preparing to submit an enhanced second offer for the player.
The reigning Premier League champions made a formal verbal opening approach worth £55m for the 28-year-old Brazil international earlier this week, which was promptly knocked back by the Tyneside club.
Newcastle United maintain a firm stance that their midfield lynchpin is not for sale, pointing directly to his substantial £100m release clause.
However, reports today indicate that Berta remains completely undeterred and is determined to test their resolve with a heavily-improved financial package. He has been a long-term admirer of the midfielder, having previously attempted to secure his services during his tenure at Atletico Madrid before the player opted for a move to Lyon.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is expected to be backed with a substantial £250m transfer war chest this summer to defend their domestic title, having already finalised the permanent £34.5m acquisition of defender Piero Hincapie.
While the Gunners have also been credited with a strong interest in Bournemouth‘s Alex Scott and Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali, their pursuit of Guimaraes is currently viewed as their most concrete midfield priority.
Internal discussions are continuing at the Emirates Stadium to determine the exact structure of the second bid as Arsenal look to wrap up their primary business before pre-season training commences.