Arsenal is keen to sign Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle United for their manager, Mikel Arteta.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal has made a formal approach in the last 24 hours for the Brazilian international.
The Gunners opened talks with Newcastle for £55m, and the offer was immediately rejected.
Newcastle wants to keep the 28-year-old at the club and told Arsenal they won’t sell for that fee.
Guimarães has entered the final two years of his contract with Newcastle United.
He has been impressive for Brazil at the ongoing FIFA World Cup tournament.