Arsenal open talks to sign Chelsea midfielder

Will Arsenal be able to sign a midfielder at an affordable rate this summer? It’s seems unlikely, doesn’t it?

Elliot Anderson has moved to title rivals Manchester City in a mega £116m deal while Sandro Tonali has joined their north London neighbours Tottenham in a £100m transfer.

Those two moves have inflated the market big time, with fees such as £100m being demanded for Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton. Spurs even spent £85m on recently relegated Mateus Fernandes too.

For the Gunners, it will be a challenge to improve their midfield while not overpaying. It only makes the £55m deal to sign Martin Zubimendi last summer look all the more better. It makes Myles Lewis-Skelly an even more valuable asset too.

So, if they are to sign a new midfielder, who could it be?

Arsenal’s midfield shortlist grows bigger

At the top of Arsenal’s shortlist this summer is Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes.

Via intermediaries, the Gunners have already floated a £55m offer but that has been rejected. Mikel Arteta’s side would like to come back with another bid, subsequently opening official club-to-club talks with the Toon but they are in no mood to sell.

Eddie Howe has already seen Anthony Gordon and Tonali leave. The last thing he will want is to see Guimaraes depart too. However, with two years left on his deal, they are at risk here. It would surely be easy for Andrea Berta and Co to tempt him to the Emirates Stadium.

If that move does not go through then they have a number of alternatives lined up. Arsenal are said to really like Alex Scott and have held initial talks with Bournemouth regarding a deal that could reach £80m. Yet, like with Newcastle, the message from the Cherries is that they do not want to sell.

Another option could be Lille and Morocco wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi. He has more than made his impact on the ongoing World Cup and is likely to leave French shores this summer. Arsenal and Liverpool have both held talks.

Speaking of the World Cup, the Premier League champions could actually turn their attentions to a player who has lifted the famous trophy.

Indeed, according to Chelsea insider Simon Phillips, Arsenal have lodged an initial enquiry with Chelsea to understand whether they are open to selling Enzo Fernandez.

The Argentine has been the subject of much speculation this summer, notably linking him with a move to Real Madrid. However, the Spanish side issued a remarkable statement last weekend declaring that they have no interest in pursuing the midfielder.

Why Fernandez would be a better signing than Bruno Guimaraes

In Guimaraes, Arsenal could pick up a player they have admired for years. Even before he moved to St James’ Park they were interested in bringing him to the Emirates. Alas it never happened and they have had to watch on as the Brazilian stars at Newcastle.

Aged 28, the Rio-born midfielder is now in the prime of his career and that was evident during 2025/26, arguably his finest individual campaign.

Usually known for being a combative, physical and no-nonsense midfield presence, Guimaraes has now become a genuine threat in attacking phases of play too.

He scored nine goals and registered eight assists for Newcastle last term so it’s clear to see why Arsenal are exploring a deal.

However, in Fernandez, a £107m signing for Chelsea, they could land an even better player. Aged 25, the World Cup winner is on the cusp of his prime and only seems to be getting better at Stamford Bridge, hailed as “one of the best midfielders in the world” by Argentine football expert Roy Nemer.

The South American netted 15 times last term, providing seven assists. Like Bruno, he also captained his club side on plenty of occasions. Compared to the Newcastle star, he stacks up rather favourably.

Unsurprisingly, it is the more physical Guimaraes who comes out on top for duels won and ball recoveries but when it comes to dynamism and offering something going forward, Fernandez is the better option.

He’s involved in more big chances per 90 minutes and is more progressive with his carrying. He’d certainly get Arsenal up the pitch more efficiently.

Ascertaining who is the perfect partner for Declan Rice depends on the game but if they were able to pick up the Chelsea star, you’d be looking at a situation where Arsenal’s record man potentially plays deeper as a 6.

That said, Fernandez would still give Arteta huge tactical flexibility given he can also play as a number 10. Guimares, on the other hand, is more of a 6 or 8. He’s not as versatile or as dynamic with his actions but he’s still a mighty fine footballer.