Arsenal would have to go close to a £92m up-front fee to tempt Newcastle United into selling captain Bruno Guimaraes, with sources at St James’ Park insistent there have been no direct talks about the player.
The i Paper has been told Newcastle’s focus is on incoming deals, with “multiple” targets being actively worked on.
Meetings were taking place on Tuesday aimed at expediting deals for a new midfielder and goalkeeper, two priority positions that the Magpies are aiming to strengthen.
And there was scepticism from the club about reports Arsenal are “advancing” their interest in Guimaraes, who is unsettled at Newcastle and keen to explore the possibility of a move to North London.
“They must still be on hold at the switchboard,” was the verdict of one Newcastle power broker to reports they have initiated “direct” talks for the 28-year-old.
