According to talkSPORT, Arsenal will expedite their negotiations with Newcastle captain Guimarães next week.
Newcastle insists that formal negotiations have not yet begun, but talkSPORT understands that the two sides have already made verbal contact, and Newcastle's senior management has also become directly involved.
Arsenal are prepared to pay over £70 million for the transfer, and Guimarães has reportedly agreed to the general terms, according to talkSPORT earlier this month.
Newcastle are unhappy with the speculation surrounding Guimarães' future, and insiders are also surprised that Arsenal have not yet made a formal offer.
However, Arsenal told talkSPORT that they have made three verbal offers.
The two clubs clearly disagree on what constitutes a formal offer, which may be partly due to different wording and the involvement of intermediaries.
Sources are reluctant to compare this to Isak's transfer saga last year, because Newcastle believes that Guimarães will not refuse to participate in preseason training or refuse to play for Newcastle again.
He remains popular in the locker room, and Newcastle has received no indication that Guimarães will not maintain his professionalism.
However, Newcastle doesn't want the rumors to drag on all summer, and sources close to Guimarães told talkSPORT that he also wants his future settled as soon as possible.
The Brazilian player is still on vacation after the World Cup. Newcastle United are willing to offer him a new contract if he stays.
Newcastle officials also believe the £70 million offer will be rejected, but talkSPORT understands that Arsenal are willing to offer a higher figure than the rumored figure.
