Arsenal believe that they can tie up a deal to sign Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United by the end of this week. That’s according to ESPN Brasil reporter Bruno Andrade.

The Gunners have been relatively quiet in the transfer market so far, with winger Christos Tzolis their one big signing so far, arriving from Club Brugge in a deal worth around £34million.

Goalkeeper Illan Meslier has also come in, arriving on a free transfer from Leeds United, with Jakub Kiwior completing a permanent move away after a season-long loan deal with Porto and Leandro Trossard leaving for Besiktas.

Vinicius Junior move signalled Arsenal’s intent in the transfer window

REUTERS/Ana Beltran

Arsenal remain in the hunt for a new midfielder and another forward, with Mikel Arteta keen to make a statement signing as the Gunners look to defend their Premier League crown in 2026/27.

They have been linked with a sensational move for Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid, although it has now been reported that the Brazilian will stay at the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, they are still in talks over a move to sign Guimaraes, one of Vinicius’ teammates from the World Cup, with a move seemingly edging ever closer to completion.

Arsenal had an initial £55million bid rejected by Newcastle, who have already lost Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon this summer, with the Magpies holding out for £80million if they are to sell their ‘world-class’ player – something they are reluctant to do.

It seems the Gunners are closing in on a fee that could reach £75million all in, which they believe will convince Newcastle to sell.

Guimaraes to Arsenal could be completed by Sunday

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Speaking on ESPN Brasil, Nadrade said: “Arsenal have raised the offer for Bruno Guimares, now they are offering £75million, £70million fixed plus £5million in objectives, totalling £75million.

“Two or three weeks ago the first offer of £55million was rejected so an agreement is starting to take shape. Newcastle are still waiting for an £80million offer, but given that Arsenal have already reached £75million it is very likely negotiations will progress positively this week since Bruno Guimaraes is in Brazil and returns to England on Friday and needs to report back [to Newcastle for training] on Monday.

“The idea is that this won’t even be necessary, that the deal with Arsenal will be closed. He has already sent a positive message to Arsenal that he is open to it, that he wants to negotiate. He hasn’t forced an exit but has already signalled, communicated his desire to be transferred, to take this step in the Premier League.”

Lionel Messi has a firm rule when it comes to commercial shoots, and it comes with a hard deadline attached.

That’s according to Hollywood star Will Ferrell, who picked up the details from fellow actor Steve Carell after The US Office star worked alongside the Argentine on a recent World Cup advert.

It’s a real insight into how one of the world’s most in-demand athletes manages his time on set, even as brands continue to queue up for his services. It also comes as Messi’s commercial and on-pitch earnings continue to reach staggering figures, solidifying his status as MLS’s top earner by some distance.

Lionel Messi Won’t Stay on set Past 30 Minutes, According to Will Ferrell

REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli

The Barcelona legend regularly appears in campaigns for major brands including Adidas, Pepsi, Michelob Ultra, Gatorade and EA Sports. He most recently featured in a star-studded lineup for the well-known crisp brand Lays, in their ‘No Lay’s No Game’ advert alongside David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Alexia Putellas and Carell.

But according to Ferrell, speaking on the Dan Patrick Show, Messi keeps a strict limit on how long he’ll spend filming. Ferrell said:

Lionel Messi’s Commercial Deals Form Part of a Staggering Overall Income

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Messi is MLS’s highest earner by some distance, with figures released in October showing a base salary of $12million and guaranteed compensation of $20.4million, before he signed a fresh three-year extension. He also holds an equity stake in Inter Miami alongside various bonuses and clauses.

Inter owner Jorge Mas said in March that Messi earns between $70 million and $80 million a year in total from the club, while Forbes reported his off-pitch earnings sit at around $70 million annually. He also has a lifetime deal with Adidas, believed to be worth $25 million a year, having represented the brand since 2006.

Tottenham have landed their biggest Savinho transfer boost yet as they look to snap up the Manchester City attacker this summer. Spurs have been on a transfer tear up this summer, racking up a £237million spending bill so far, and they are not done yet.

Roberto De Zerbi was handed major upgrades to his defence and midfield, including Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke for the defence and Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali for the midfield. It’s clear Tottenham’s squad has been improved, but there are still some gaps.

De Zerbi will now want to improve his front line, and he is to get the money to do it. The North London club are now working on attacking recruits, with a winger signing the priority, while a striker could also be signed, although that will likely depend on the right option becoming available and potential departures.

Tottenham handed major Savinho transfer boost

Tottenham have been handed a major boost in their bid to land Manchester City wideman Savinho, with the player now reportedly asking to leave the Etihad Stadium.

That’s according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who has posted on X: “EXCL: Savinho informs Manchester City about his desire to leave this summer. Savio wants to play more and develop in his career, #MCFC have been informed by the winger. All in Man City hands now. Tottenham have Savinho on top of their list as revealed since May.”

Savinho has not been a regular starter at City, and while there is a new manager in town in Enzo Maresca, it doesn’t appear as though he is going to be a starter for the coming season. The 22-year-old is going to want to play week-in, week-out to ensure maximises his potential, as he was showing at Girona previously, and Tottenham can likely offer that kind of role. The question now is whether City will allow him to leave without a replacement, and indeed whether they will offer a price that Tottenham are willing to pay on the back of an already huge spending bill.

Guardiola was a big fan of Savinho

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Now former City boss Guardiola was actually a big fan of Savinho’s even if he didn’t offer him regular starts due to the more senior options he had at his disposal. The Spaniard said in 2025: “Savinho in the moment will make it click in the final third, the goal for example. His numbers for goals and assists last season – Savinho created a lot, and in the final third, [he needs to] be active in the right moment. The moment he does that, he’s young, he will be a top-class player.”

“He created a lot against Huddersfield and for me, analyse what they do, the body language, it doesn’t matter. He will make this step – it will come. Savinho will be a top player for Man City.”

Guardiola later added: “[He had a] good impact. He can play on both sides. On the left, he has incredible quality and can attack the byline. After that he is really good at the crosses. He will help Erling to score goals. Look at the goal we scored, byline and cross.”