Arsenal and Real Madrid are reportedly set to wage a transfer battle in the race to sign Bruno Guimaraes, valued at €50 million by Lyon.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Bruno Guimaraes is the subject of interest from Real Madrid over a possible move in the summer transfer window. The Brazilian midfielder, valued at around €50 million by Lyon, is also a target for Arsenal.
Bruno Guimaraes joined Lyon from Athletico Paranaense in January 2020 and has since carved out a place for himself in Les Gones’ first-team setup. Now a pivotal figure for the Ligue 1 outfit, the 24-year-old has also broken into the Brazilian national side, although he is yet to become a regular for the Selecao.
The player is enjoying a solid 2021/22 campaign, providing six assists in 24 appearances across all competitions. Bruno Guimaraes’s progress has not gone unnoticed either, with some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including Real Madrid and Arsenal, keen on signing him.
Real Madrid will likely be entering the transfer market for a central midfielder in the summer transfer window amid growing uncertainty surrounding the futures of Dani Ceballos and Isco. The two Spanish midfielders could leave Real Madrid after the season ends, prompting Los Blancos to identify potential replacements.
In addition, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are approaching the end of their respective careers, meaning Real Madrid must refresh options in the middle of the park. While Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga are long-term solutions for the Merengues, they must bring down the average age by signing midfielders closer to their peak than beyond.
To that end, several midfielders have been linked with Real Madrid, including Seko Fofana, with Bruno Guimaraes also emerging as a viable target. But Real Madrid will need to fend off stiff competition from Arsenal in the race to sign the 24-year-old.
Apart from Arsenal, Everton and Newcastle United have also been linked with the Brazilian, but the Gunners have taken massive strides towards signing him. The interest from Arsenal stems from the inconsistencies of Granit Xhaka coupled with the lack of creative impetus from the middle of the park in Mikel Arteta’s side.
The 24-year-old is thus a viable option to pursue to add some much-needed creativity. But signing the player will set Real Madrid and Arsenal back considerably, with Lyon demanding around €50 million to part with him.
The Ligue 1 giants will not let Bruno Guimaraes depart in the ongoing transfer window, and a summer exit could be likely, especially if they are unable to clinch Champions League qualification. Arsenal will be desperate to seal a top-four finish if they are to rival Real Madrid in the race to sign the Brazilian in a €50 million deal.
