It is happening. Out on the sun-scorched training pitches of La Manga, on Spain's Mediterranean coast, Bruno Guimaraes is waiting for one thing: the phone call that tells him he can leave Newcastle United's pre-season camp and fly to north London to become an Arsenal player. The 28-year-old Brazilian captain has already made his intention clear, and the clubs are now treating a final agreement as a formality. A full deal is almost done.

The numbers are serious. Sources close to the negotiations indicate the fee could reach £80 million — a sum that would make Guimaraes one of the most expensive midfielders ever to move within the Premier League. Arsenal's medical team is preparing for his arrival this week, a sign that manager Mikel Arteta is not willing to let another summer pass without landing his first-choice central midfield target. The Gunners won the league title, and now they are spending accordingly.

Guimaraes arrived in England from Lyon in January 2022, and his journey since then has been remarkable. He transformed Newcastle — a club that had just survived a relegation scare — into genuine top-four contenders. In 48 appearances for the Brazilian national team, he has also shown he belongs at the highest level. Arsenal, who are building towards a sustained dynasty under Arteta, believe he is exactly the kind of player who can take them from champions to something more enduring.