Arsenal have opened direct talks with Newcastle United over the signing of captain Bruno Guimarães as they step up their pursuit of the Brazil midfielder.
The two clubs are now engaged in formal negotiations after initial discussions were conducted through intermediaries. Guimarães, 28, is understood to be keen on a move to the Premier League champions.
While no agreement has been reached, there is growing confidence among those involved that the deal is progressing toward a resolution.
BBC Sport previously reported that Arsenal would need to improve on a £70 million offer submitted through intermediaries last month. Newcastle are understood to have rejected an initial bid, but Arsenal are expected to return with an improved proposal.
Guimarães has travelled with Newcastle to their pre-season training camp in La Manga, Spain, following his post-World Cup break.
The Brazilian has emerged as Arsenal's top midfield target as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his squad ahead of the new season.
Speaking over the weekend, Arteta declined to comment directly on Guimarães but reiterated that Arsenal remain "very active" and "very ambitious" in the transfer market.
"We need to increase the competition internally," Arteta said. "We need to make sure we identify the things that we don't have in the team."
Guimarães scored nine goals and provided eight assists in all competitions last season despite Newcastle's 12th-place Premier League finish.
