{"id":49774,"date":"2026-07-06T22:37:12","date_gmt":"2026-07-07T02:37:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/07\/06\/arsenal-begin-contract-negotiations-with-chelsea-midfielder\/"},"modified":"2026-07-06T22:37:12","modified_gmt":"2026-07-07T02:37:12","slug":"arsenal-begin-contract-negotiations-with-chelsea-midfielder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/07\/06\/arsenal-begin-contract-negotiations-with-chelsea-midfielder\/","title":{"rendered":"Arsenal begin contract negotiations with Chelsea midfielder"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/07\/06\/arsenal-begin-contract-negotiations-with-chelsea-midfielder\/#Arsenals_list_of_midfield_candidates_continues_to_grow\" >Arsenal&#8217;s list of midfield candidates continues to grow<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/07\/06\/arsenal-begin-contract-negotiations-with-chelsea-midfielder\/#Why_Fernandes_is_a_better_deal_than_Bruno_Guimaraes\" >Why Fernandes is a better deal than Bruno Guimar\u00e3es<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/07\/06\/arsenal-begin-contract-negotiations-with-chelsea-midfielder\/#Why_Arsenal_were_able_to_pivot_to_a_116m_winger_without_signing_Rodgers\" >Why Arsenal were able to pivot to a \u00a3116m winger without signing Rodgers<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<div>\n<p>Could Arsenal sign a midfielder for a reasonable price this summer? That seems unlikely.<\/p>\n<p>    <!-- No AdsNinja v10 Client! --><!-- No AdsNinja v10 Client! --><\/p>\n<p>Elliott Anderson moved to title rivals Manchester City in a huge \u00a3116m deal, while Sandro Tonali joined north London neighbors Tottenham in a \u00a3100m move.<\/p>\n<p>    These two moves have swollen the market significantly, with Crystal Palace&#8217;s Adam Wharton now demanding fees such as \u00a3100m. Spurs also spent \u00a385m on recently relegated Matheus Fernandes.<\/p>\n<p>The challenge for the Gunners will be to improve their midfield without overpaying. It only makes the \u00a355m deal they signed Martin Zvimendi last summer look even better. This also makes Miles Lewis-Skelly an even more valuable asset.<\/p>\n<p>So if they were to sign a new midfielder, who would it be?<\/p>\n<p>    <!-- No AdsNinja v10 Client! --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"arsenal-39-s-midfield-shortlist-grows-bigger\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Arsenals_list_of_midfield_candidates_continues_to_grow\"><\/span>\n                        <strong>Arsenal&#8217;s list of midfield candidates continues to grow<\/strong><br \/>\n               <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Topping Arsenal&#8217;s shortlist this summer is Newcastle United&#8217;s Bruno Guimar\u00e3es.<\/p>\n<p>The Gunners have already made an offer of \u00a355m through an intermediary, but this has been rejected. Mikel Arteta&#8217;s side hope to return with another bid and will then begin official negotiations between Thun and the club, but have no intention of selling.<\/p>\n<p>    Eddie Howe has already seen Anthony Gordon and Tonali leave. The last thing he wants is for Guimar\u00e3es to leave too. However, he has two years left on his contract and they are at risk here. It will certainly be easy for the likes of Andrea Berta to lure him to the Emirates Stadium.<\/p>\n<p>If that move doesn&#8217;t pass, they have a number of alternatives. Arsenal are said to be so fond of Alex Scott that they have held initial talks with Bournemouth over a deal that could reach \u00a380m. But like Newcastle, the message from the Cherries is that they don&#8217;t want to sell.<\/p>\n<div class=\"w-display-card-vignette\">\n<div class=\"qz\">\n<div class=\"qz-content\">\n<div id=\"qend\">\n<p>you scored<\/p>\n<p>out of 20<\/p>\n<p>      <button class=\"e-replay\" onclick=\"startQuiz()\">\u21a9 Play again<\/button>\n    <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>Another option could be Lille and Morocco&#8217;s wonder child Ayyoub Bouadi. He has made enough of an impact at the ongoing World Cup and is likely to leave French shores this summer. Arsenal and Liverpool both held negotiations.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking of the World Cup, the Premier League champions may be paying attention to the players who lifted the famous trophy.<\/p>\n<p>Indeed, according to Chelsea insider Simon Phillips, Arsenal have made an initial inquiry into Chelsea to see if they are open to selling Enzo Fernandes.<\/p>\n<p>    The Argentine has been the subject of much speculation this summer, particularly with links with a move to Real Madrid. However, the Spanish side made a notable statement last weekend, declaring that they had no interest in signing the midfielder.<\/p>\n<p>    <!-- No AdsNinja v10 Client! --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"why-fernandez-would-be-a-better-signing-than-bruno-guimaraes\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Fernandes_is_a_better_deal_than_Bruno_Guimaraes\"><\/span>\n                        <strong>Why Fernandes is a better deal than Bruno Guimar\u00e3es<\/strong><br \/>\n               <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In Guimaraes, Arsenal could sign a player they have admired for many years. They were interested in taking him to the Emirates even before he moved to St James&#8217; Park. Unfortunately that didn&#8217;t happen and they were left to watch as Brazil star in Newcastle.<\/p>\n<p>The 28-year-old Rio-born midfielder is currently at the peak of his career, which was evident in the 2025-26 season, which was arguably his best season as an individual.<\/p>\n<p>Usually known as a combative, physical and serious midfield presence, Guimar\u00e3es is now a real threat in attack.<\/p>\n<p>He scored nine goals and provided eight assists for Newcastle last season and it&#8217;s clear why Arsenal are looking to sign him.<\/p>\n<p>    However, signing Fernandes to Chelsea for \u00a3107m could mean they could sign an even better player. The 25-year-old World Cup winner is in his prime and looks set to only get better at Stamford Bridge, where he was hailed as &#8220;one of the best midfielders in the world&#8221; by Argentine football expert Roy Nemer.<\/p>\n<p>The South American scored 15 goals and provided seven assists last season. Like Bruno, he was also captain of his club team many times. He is stacked quite favorably compared to the Newcastle star.<\/p>\n<div class=\"table-container\">\n<table border=\"1\" cellpadding=\"1\" cellspacing=\"1\" style=\"\" align=\"\" summary=\"\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th colspan=\"3\" style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Fern\u00e1ndez vs. Guimares: 25\/26 League Stats<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Statistics (every 90 minutes)<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Fernandes<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Guimaraes<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>non-penalty goal<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>0.23<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p><strong>0.26<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>shot<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p><strong>2.08<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>1.54<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>big chance involvement<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p><strong>0.63<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>0.44<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Expected number of assists in open play<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p><strong>0.18<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>0.14<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Expected threat occurrence<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p><strong>0.12<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>0.10<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Expected threats (build-up)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>0.51<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p><strong>0.52<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>progressive action<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p><strong>6.08<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>5.76<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>progressive carry<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p><strong>1.70<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>0.99<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>progressive path<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>4.38<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p><strong>4.77<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Win a Defense Ground Duel<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>1.22<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p><strong>2.82<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Number of balls collected<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>4.94<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p><strong>5.62<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<p>Naturally, it is the physical Guimar\u00e3es who comes out on top in terms of winning duels and recovering the ball, but in terms of dynamism and future offerings, Fernandes is the better option.<\/p>\n<p>He&#8217;s getting involved in more big chances per 90 minutes and his carries are also improving. He will definitely make Arsenal more efficient on the pitch.<\/p>\n<section class=\"emaki-custom-block emaki-custom-note\" data-nosnippet=\"\">\n<div class=\"emaki-custom note\" id=\"custom_block_33\">\n<div class=\"custom_block-content note\">\n<p><em>Expected threat (xT) is a metric that quantifies how much a player&#8217;s actions (such as passes or carries) increase the team&#8217;s chances of scoring.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p>It will be a match-up to see who is the perfect partner for Declan Rice, but signing the Chelsea star could open up a situation where the Arsenal record holder could play deeper as a No. 6.<\/p>\n<p>However, Fernandes would give Arteta great tactical flexibility, as he can also play as a number 10. Guimares, on the other hand, is closer to number 6 or 8. He&#8217;s not as versatile or as dynamic as him, but he&#8217;s still a great, great football player.<\/p>\n<div class=\"display-card  article article-card small  no-badge  active-content                              \" data-include-community-rating=\"false\" id=\"why-arsenal-could-sign-barcola-over-morgan-rogers\" data-nosnippet=\"\">\n<p>                        <\/p>\n<p>                    <span data-field=\"label\" class=\"article-card-label\"><label>related<\/label><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"w-display-card-content regular article-block\">\n<h5 class=\"display-card-title \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Arsenal_were_able_to_pivot_to_a_116m_winger_without_signing_Rodgers\"><\/span>\n<p>\t\t\tWhy Arsenal were able to pivot to a \u00a3116m winger without signing Rodgers<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p class=\"display-card-excerpt\">Morgan Rodgers has become one of Arsenal&#8217;s main targets this summer.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Could Arsenal sign a midfielder for a reasonable price this summer? That seems unlikely. Elliott Anderson moved to title rivals Manchester City in a huge \u00a3116m deal, while Sandro Tonali joined north London neighbors Tottenham in a \u00a3100m move. These two moves have swollen the market significantly, with Crystal Palace&#8217;s Adam Wharton now demanding fees [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":49775,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[44,200,876,40,2303,382],"class_list":["post-49774","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-football","tag-arsenal","tag-chelsea","tag-contract","tag-football","tag-midfielder","tag-negotiations"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49774","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=49774"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49774\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/49775"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=49774"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=49774"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=49774"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}