Bruno Guimaraes has requested a move away from Newcastle United to join Arsenal.
Club officials at St James' Park have admitted that Guimaraes has sought a new challenge in his career.
Guimaraes is one of Newcastle's key figures.
Newcastle were initially determined to keep the Brazilian, but the player's request to leave has changed the situation.
The two clubs are very close to finalizing the deal.
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"The thing we had to take into account was that, with all due respect to Bruno and the way he treated us, even emotionally, he effectively told us that he wanted to leave and move on. That doesn't mean he can automatically leave, but it's definitely a factor that influences the way we think when we get to a certain level. We can't say that was part of our strategy or our plans for this summer. But we have to be flexible and react to situations that arise," Newcastle sporting director Ross Wilson said, Goal reports on Friday.
The 28-year-old has been with Newcastle since 2022.
