Arsenal are in direct talks with Newcastle United to sign captain Bruno Guimaraes.
The Premier League champions are understood to be in formal discussions regarding the 28-year-old midfielder, who has expressed a desire to join the title holders.
Arsenal have previously had discussions with Newcastle through intermediaries, but this time around, they are negotiating directly with the Magpies.
Guimaraes, a key player for Newcastle last season, has been a priority target for Arsenal as they look to strengthen their squad.
The Brazil international provided nine goals and eight assists across all competitions for Newcastle last season, as the club finished 12th in the Premier League.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has spoken about the club's ambitions for the summer transfer window, stating they are "very active" and "very ambitious in what we want to do".
"We need to increase the competition internally," Arteta said. "We need to make sure we identify the things that we don't have in the team."
A report from last month suggested that Arsenal would need to increase their bid to £70m to secure Guimaraes' signature, after they made an initial offer through intermediaries.
Although the exact amount of their offer was not disclosed, it is understood that Newcastle have rejected it.
Arsenal are expected to return with an improved bid, with sources suggesting that they are confident of securing Guimaraes' signature.
The midfielder has travelled to Spain for Newcastle's pre-season training camp in La Manga, as planned, following his post-World Cup break.
The outcome of the negotiations between Arsenal and Newcastle remains uncertain, but it is clear that Guimaraes is a key player in the transfer window.
Source: BBC Sports