Former Premier League goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has predicted that Bruno Guimaraes will end up at Arsenal amid ongoing negotiations with Newcastle United.

The Bruno Guimaraes saga has continued to drag on amid back-and-forth reporting on the player’s status and whether he will leave Newcastle United. It has been clear since the middle of the World Cup that the midfielder is eager to join Arsenal and had reportedly informed the Magpies of his desire, as David Ornstein reported at the time.

Some premature reports stating that Arsenal had reached an agreement to sign the Brazilian may have had some truth after all, as the wider consensus is that he will be playing for the Gunners soon enough. Former Premier League goalkeeper and title winner Asmir Begovic has now predicted via Sky Sports that the Brazilian will join Arsenal in the coming period.

Begovic said, “I can only see this ending one way, and that’s with Bruno Guimaraes in Arsenal colours. It’s inevitable. Bruno wants to challenge himself. He wants to play at the highest level and in the Champions League, so I think when the Premier League champions come calling, there is only going to be one outcome and one option here.

“I think Bruno Guimaraes would be that kind of statement signing for Arsenal in the heart of midfield, helping to continue pushing that team to higher levels. Arsenal’s ambitions are not just the Premier League: the ambition will be the Champions League and winning multiple trophies beyond that. In order to do that, you need the best possible squad, and I think Bruno coming into the heart of that midfield will add a different layer to it.”

According to the latest update from David Ornstein, the agreement between Arsenal and Newcastle United is nearing its conclusion, and Guimaraes is poised to join the Gunners in the next few days. The two clubs have been engaged in advanced conversations over the transfer, and it appears to be only a matter of time before it is completed.

There have been rumours that Guimaraes might even submit a transfer request to force a move to Arsenal, although that may not be necessary given the progress made. Overall, once the Brazilian makes the move to north London, it would be considered one of the best signings of the window.

Arsenal needed more quality in midfield in Mikel Arteta’s eyes, and adding an experienced player like Guimaraes will aid their push for another Premier League title next season. They are also chasing his Brazilian national-team teammate Vinicius Junior, and his arrival would be seen as one of the biggest signings in Premier League history.