Newcastle seal £25.7m Hornicek deal from Braga

The deal was finalised after Newcastle triggered Hornicek's release clause with the Portuguese club. He becomes the Magpies' fifth summer arrival, following Ewen Jaouen, Bazoumana Toure, Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba, according to Sky Sports.

Hornicek has joined the squad during Newcastle's pre-season training camp in Spain. Sporting director Ross Wilson highlighted the goalkeeper's rapid development, describing him as "one of Europe's top young goalkeepers" after his recent performances.

The signing arrives amid uncertainty surrounding captain Bruno Guimaraes. Arsenal have been exploring the conditions of a potential deal for the midfielder through intermediaries, though there has been no formal club-to-club contact, Sky Sports reports. Guimaraes has expressed his desire to join the Premier League champions should they table an acceptable offer, but Newcastle intend to retain their skipper, who has two years remaining on his contract plus a club option for a further year.

Incoming boss Matthias Jaissle is already in Spain as a formal announcement of Eddie Howe's successor is expected imminently.