Arsenal close to signing centre-back before Bruno

Arsenal are likely to sign a new central defender before purchasing Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, according to journalist Bruno Andrade.

The Gunners have focused their attention on landing Guimaraes from the Magpies, and direct negotiations are underway with the Tyneside outfit.

A deal worth £85m could be agreed in the coming days, but Andrade has claimed that the club are working hard to sign a new centre-back first.

The Gunners recently suffered a big setback with William Saliba sustaining a back injury, and manager Mikel Arteta wants an experienced cover soon.

Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa has been linked with the club for some time, but Arsenal have no plans of meeting the £60m price tag for his services.

The club are looking at alternatives in the transfer market, but John Stones is no longer an option, having verbally agreed to join Inter on a free transfer.

We could know more about Arsenal's next centre-back target soon.