Arsenal will challenge Newcastle in the battle to sign Lyon midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, according to RMC Sport journalist Loic Tanzi.

The Magpies have reportedly tabled a €40m (£33.4m) bid for the Brazilian, and Tanzi claims the Gunners are now likely to make an offer of their own after an attempt to sign Juventus’s Arthur on loan stalled:

Sachant que devant la difficulté de finaliser le dossier Arthur, Arsenal s’est placé sur Bruno Guimarães également. Une dernière semaine intense pour l’OL et le Brésilien est a prévoir #Mercato #RMCLive https://t.co/hC8peM7Qgz

— Loïc Tanzi (@Tanziloic) January 25, 2022

Guimaraes is a long-term target for technical director Edu and manager Mikel Arteta so it is not surprising that Arsenal have stepped up their interest now a rival Premier League club has made a formal offer.

You would have to think that the midfielder would prefer a move to the Emirates, considering Newcastle are battling relegation, but the Gunners would have to match the bid that has already been made.

Arteta is keen on strengthening his options in the middle of the park before the transfer window closes on Monday so we shall see if a deal for Guimaraes can be agreed in time.