Arsenal‘s initial offer for Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes has been knocked back by the Magpies, the Press Association understands.

Speculation surrounding the Brazil international’s potential move to the Gunners has intensified, with direct lines of communication now established between the two Premier League clubs.

A significant disparity in valuation is believed to exist for the midfielder, who has netted 31 goals in 195 appearances for Newcastle since his £40 million transfer from Lyon in January 2022.

However, the rejection of this opening bid is unlikely to deter Arsenal, especially given indications that Guimaraes is keen to swap St James’ Park for the Emirates Stadium this summer.

Newcastle are understandably reluctant to see another first-choice star depart. The club have already lost Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali this summer to Barcelona and Tottenham, respectively. While their hands may be tied if Guimaraes is set on leaving, the club would only sanction a transfer if their financial terms are fully met.

A repeat of last summer’s Alexander Isak saga, which saw the Swede go on strike to force a British record £125 million move to Anfield, appears improbable.

Guimaraes is scheduled to join his Newcastle teammates at a pre-season training camp in La Manga on Monday, having been granted an extended break following his World Cup commitments with Brazil.

The Magpies have been active in the transfer market, with Lukas Hornicek becoming their fifth summer signing on Monday. He joins fellow goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen, winger Bazoumana Toure, and midfield duo Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba amidst a period of significant change.

The club is also currently without a head coach following Eddie Howe’s departure on Friday, though German Matthias Jaissle is understood to be close to being appointed as his successor.

Newcastle finished 12th in the Premier League last season and will not be able to offer Guimaraes European football in the upcoming campaign.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are looking to bolster their squad ahead of their title defence, with the Gunners having only signed one outfield player, Christos Tzolis, so far this summer.

The north London club have also been linked with Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr.