Chelsea are reportedly ready to challenge Arsenal for the signing of Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.
The West Londoners broke their transfer record earlier this week to sign Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa and are continuing to invest as part of a rebuild under Xabi Alonso.
Next in the Spaniard’s sights is a central midfielder, amid doubts over Enzo Fernandez’s future and the exit of Andrey Santos for Manchester United. According to Chelsea-focused journalist Simon Phillips, Guimaraes is a name that has been discussed at Stamford Bridge.
The Brazil international has told Newcastle he wants to explore an exit this summer, amid an approach from Arsenal.
The Gunners saw a £55m verbal offer turned down earlier in the window. Newcastle do not want to sell the club captain after losing Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon, though could consider offers upwards of £80m.
Chelsea’s interest will concern Arsenal, having been gazumped in their bid to land Rogers. The North Londoners had made Rogers their top target for the summer, but were unable to match Chelsea’s £117m offer. That fee has made Rogers the most expensive English footballer of all time.
