Although Evra pushed for Kone to move to the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal are currently prioritising the transfer of Newcastle United midfielder Guimaraes, who has reportedly agreed personal terms. Arsenal’s pursuit of Guimaraes has also received the full backing of Chelsea legend Claude Makelele.
Speaking to ComeOn, Makelele praised Guimaraes’ profile fit with Mikel Arteta’s squad: “Bruno Guimaraes is an ambitious player who sees his career one way: Champions League football, always, and teams built to win titles in Europe.
“Arsenal tick every box. They won the Premier League, they’ve gone deep in the Champions League, and they’re built to go again. It’s always right for a good player to join a great team, and Arsenal have done great business.
“Bruno Guimaraes is a very good player, exceptional, as we saw with Brazil. It’s his career and his decision, but his game fits Arsenal perfectly.”