Arsenal are exploring a player-plus-cash approach to sign Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United after an initial verbal offer was rejected outright.

The Gunners made a proposal worth less than £60million to Newcastle via intermediaries, according to The Athletic, but St. James’ Park chiefs turned it down swiftly.

Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen his squad as Arsenal prepare to defend their Premier League title, and Guimaraes has emerged as a top target.

Sporting director Andrea Berta could now look to sweeten any future bid by packaging in one or more first-team players to make the deal more attractive to Newcastle.

Eddie Howe’s side would benefit from receiving a quality Premier League player alongside a cash fee, potentially making a swap arrangement more palatable for all parties.

Gabriel Martinelli is one of four players identified as potential makeweights in such a deal, with the Brazilian winger entering the final year of his contract later this month.

The 25-year-old has found his impact limited in recent seasons as opposition teams have consistently deployed low-block defensive structures to restrict Arsenal’s counterattacking threat.

At Newcastle, Martinelli could recapture his best form and would be well-suited to filling the void left by Anthony Gordon’s departure, offering pressing intensity and pace in wide areas.

Leandro Trossard is another option, with the 31-year-old Belgian also heading into the final 12 months of his deal at the Emirates Stadium and capable of providing versatility across the attacking line.

Gabriel Jesus represents a third possibility, and with foreign clubs eligible to begin pre-contract discussions with the 29-year-old striker in January ahead of a potential free transfer in 2027, this summer could be the last opportunity Berta has to recoup any meaningful value.

Mikel Merino rounds out the quartet, and the 30-year-old midfielder would arguably represent the most realistic fit for Newcastle if they needed a direct replacement for Guimaraes in the engine room.

Merino has previous ties to the North East and would not take long to adapt to life back at St. James’ Park under Howe’s system.

Arsenal are not short of assets to offer, but convincing Newcastle to part with their prized Brazilian remains the biggest obstacle to completing any agreement.

Whether Berta can structure a package compelling enough to change Newcastle’s position on Guimaraes will define one of the summer’s most intriguing transfer battles.

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