Arsenal latest: Bruno Guimaraes deal struck and transfer announcement made

As the World Cup continues to command the football landscape, intense work is underway at Arsenal to ensure they are prepared for their title defence. The sole senior outfield addition to the squad so far is Ecuador star Piero Hincapie, who has completed a £34.5million transfer from Bayer Leverkusen following his loan spell. With the initial group of players scheduled to return for pre-season training imminently, planning for next season is set to move up a notch. Multiple arrivals and departures are expected over the coming weeks as sporting director Andrea Berta aims to maximise a reported £250m transfer budget. The Gunners know they cannot afford to remain static as their domestic rivals attempt to narrow the gap. football.london brings the latest Arsenal news.... FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page Arsenal have reportedly agreed terms with Bruno Guimaraes, as the Brazilian pushes to quit Newcastle. Following his country's World Cup elimination, the 28-year-old is now focused on securing a transfer to the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners are prepared to submit an offer of £60million after a £55m bid was rejected last month. Newcastle have maintained that Guimaraes is not available for transfer, though the Magpies have adopted a similar position regarding other players before ultimately agreeing to let them go. Sandro Tonali has already departed the north-east for Tottenham this summer in a £100million deal. While an agreement between the two clubs may prove lengthy to conclude, Guimaraes has reportedly already agreed terms on a five-year contract with the Gunners, according to French publication L'Equipe . Arsenal have signed goalkeeper Illan Meslier, 26, following his departure from Leeds United. Meslier spent seven years at Elland Road, making 215 appearances, including 70 clean sheets. He recently became a free agent after his contract expired. Meslier said: "I'm extremely happy. It's a great day for me because I have just joined the champions. For me, Arsenal is the biggest club in England. "I'm very happy and very proud to join Arsenal. I cannot wait to show the love that I've got for this badge. I cannot wait to win trophies with this team, because this is a club that needs to lift trophies again and again."