Arsenal on alert after Bruno Guimarães tells Newcastle he wants to leave

Bruno Guimarães, who was part of Brazil’s World Cup squad, has two years remaining on his deal with Newcastle. Photograph: Allstar Picture Library Ltd/Richard Sellers/Apl/Sportsphoto

Arsenal are ready to step up their interest in Bruno Guimarães, after the Brazil midfielder informed ­Newcastle that he wants to join the Premier League champions.

Guimarães, who missed a penalty in Brazil’s defeat against Norway in the last 16 of the World Cup on Sunday, is understood to have his heart set on a move to north London after Arsenal held talks with his representa­tives last month. Newcastle have yet to receive any contact from Arsenal but they are believed to be preparing an offer in the region of £60m.