Arsenal weigh up Tonali as Newcastle reject Guimaraes bid

Arsenal’s pursuit of Newcastle’s midfielders is taking shape, but neither move looks close to a breakthrough. Newcastle have turned down a verbal offer for Bruno Guimaraes, while Arsenal have discussed Sandro Tonali as a possible alternative amid Tottenham’s interest. The gap between exploring a deal and landing either player remains substantial.

Arsenal transfer news, 26 June 2026, 19:02 BST · 6 min read · By Suraj Radia, Editor

Today’s Arsenal updates also include Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis and Gabriel Jesus, who may need to accept a lower salary to move to Italy. For the Gunners, the immediate question is whether interest in Newcastle’s midfield can become a serious negotiation.

Tzolis remains an Arsenal target

Greek journalist Dimitris Manakos says Arsenal are still favourites for Christos Tzolis, despite the recent quiet around the links. The winger has emerged as a concrete summer target, and Manakos says Arsenal’s long-standing interest gives them an advantage over clubs that have only recently begun tracking him.

“My information is that Club Brugge are willing to listen to offers if the right opportunity presents itself. Club Brugge are aiming for a record sum, and with several top clubs following him, the market seems ready for that,” Manakos told Voetbalprimeur.

He added that Arsenal’s interest is deeper than occasional scouting: the club have followed Tzolis for a long time and value what he has done over the past 12 months. Manakos said Brugge see this summer as a possible moment for a major sale, while a move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs would appeal to the player.

His conclusion was emphatic: “Important steps still need to be taken, but if Arsenal really push through, I believe they hold all the cards to finalise this transfer.” That confidence comes from Manakos; the report gives no details on a fee or negotiations.

Newcastle turn down Guimaraes approach

Arsenal have had a verbal offer for Bruno Guimaraes rejected by Newcastle. The bid was reported first by the Daily Mail, then described by Fabrizio Romano as just below €64 million (£55m). David Ornstein of The Athletic subsequently confirmed Arsenal had made an offer worth less than €70m.

Newcastle quickly rejected the approach and have no intention of selling the Brazil international this summer. Guimaraes has two years left on his contract at St James’ Park and has not indicated that he wants to leave. Arsenal are nevertheless hoping to bring him to the Emirates before the window closes.

The numbers underline the difficulty: Arsenal have made an offer, but Newcastle’s response suggests the clubs are far apart. The reporting doesn’t establish what fee would change that position.

Tonali could become an alternative

Arsenal have also held exploratory talks about Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali, according to a report confirmed by the BBC. The club have not decided whether to pursue a transfer.

Tottenham have already made a £75m (€87m) approach for the 25-year-old, which Newcastle rejected; Spurs have yet to improve it. Tonali is reportedly keen on Tottenham, though some reports say he would favour Arsenal if they came in. That leaves a possible opening for the Gunners, but it’s far from a confirmed hijack.

Jesus may need to accept a lower wage

Arsenal are believed to be open to offers for Gabriel Jesus, who is entering the final year of his contract. Italian clubs, including Juventus and Milan, have shown tentative interest. A fresh report says a move would likely require a major pay cut.

Calciomercato reports that €20m would be a feasible transfer fee for either Italian club, but puts Jesus’ salary at around €20m a year—too high for their wage structures. He may need to accept €5–6m annually to move this summer. Otherwise, the report considers a free transfer next year more plausible.

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Related coverage

Explore our coverage of the Premier League, Arsenal and the players discussed in this article: Bruno Guimaraes, Christos Tzolis, Gabriel Jesus and Sandro Tonali.

Suraj Radia

Written by Suraj Radia, Editor. Radia is an NCTJ-qualified journalist and editor with more than a decade of experience at major sports desks and press agencies. He has regularly contributed freelance work to FootballTransfers since April 2022. Email Suraj Radia | LinkedIn profile | Full biography.

Arsenal Consider Sandro Tonali After Newcastle Reject Bruno Guimaraes Bid