Arsenal are interested in signing Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, according to The Athletic journalist David Ornstein.

The Gunners are expected to be in the market for a midfielder this summer and Ornstein believes the Brazilian international could come under consideration:

“Somebody who I think of off the top of my head that Arsenal and other clubs really like is Bruno Guimaraes. He can play as an eight or as a six. Newcastle hope to keep hold of him, there is a release clause though and anyone who is going to take him he has to deliver straight away.”

The buyout fee required to trigger the release clause has already been revealed. Fellow journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed last year that the figure is £100m.

Edu is reigniting interest in a former target

Guimaraes has been on the London club’s radar for well over five years. He was first linked when he was still playing in Brazil at Athletico Paranaense.

The midfielder’s reputation has increased after subsequent moves to Lyon and Newcastle, but sporting director Edu is clearly still keeping tabs on him after all this time.

Arsenal may consider a cheaper alternative

It should be emphasised that Mikel Arteta’s side will have issues regarding the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules. They can’t spend this summer without bringing in significant funds from player sales, so splashing out £100m in one go on Guimaraes may not be the wisest use of the transfer budget.

The Gunners have also been scouting Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi for the last 18 months and the Spanish international may end up being a more realistic target. Like Guimaraes, he does have a release clause but it is set at €60m (£51m).

Considering the club are also keen on buying a left-back and striker, Zubimendi could prove to be the more attractive option due to the price.