Arsenal’s pursuit of Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimarães has intensified as it is reported that the clubs are now in direct talks to negotiate a transfer.

The Brazilian is believed to be interested in a move to the London side but has still travelled to Newcastle’s pre-season training camp in La Manga, Spain ahead of any potential move.

Arsenal had previously made a bid worth a reported £70 million for the 28-year-old earlier in the transfer window through an intermediary, which was rejected by The Magpies.

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has emphasised that he wants the club to be active in the transfer market to ensure that his side are strengthened following winning the Gunners’ first league title since 2004.

He said: “We need to increase the competition internally.

“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 for Newcastle last season.