Arsenal close in on £80m Guimaraes deal as Howe exit opens door

According to reporting from The Times, ESPN and The Sun, Arsenal have moved significantly closer to securing Guimaraes on a deal valued around £80m when add-ons are factored in.

The Newcastle skipper's availability appears to have been hastened by the change in management at Newcastle, with Howe's exit seemingly opening the door for the midfielder's exit. Arsenal's confidence in pulling off the transfer has grown noticeably in recent days, suggesting the structure of a deal is taking clearer shape.

Guimaraes represents a marquee signing for the Londoners, offering proven Premier League pedigree and Champions League experience. The midfielder would bolster Mikel Arteta's options in a position the club has targeted strengthening.

The transfer window remains fluid, but Arsenal's positioning suggests they intend to make this a priority before the deadline. Newcastle's managerial upheaval may well prove the catalyst needed to complete a move that appeared less certain just weeks earlier.