Arsenal have been urged to withdraw from the race to sign Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, with former Newcastle and England winger Chris Waddle questioning the logic of the pursuit. The Premier League champions made a shock approach for the Brazilian last month, but saw their initial £45m verbal offer rejected by Newcastle. Arsenal were expected to return with an improved bid of around £60m, bolstered by reports that Guimaraes had informed Newcastle of his desire to move to north London.
Guimaraes' Rise at Newcastle
Guimaraes has become a fan favourite at St James' Park since his £40m move from Lyon in 2022, helping Newcastle qualify for the Champions League and win the Carabao Cup. However, the 28-year-old is reportedly keen on a summer exit after Newcastle finished 12th in the Premier League last season. Joining Mikel Arteta's Premier League champions is an appealing prospect, but the Gunners are having second thoughts, with Newcastle demanding around £100m to sanction his departure.
Waddle's Criticism of the Transfer
Chris Waddle, speaking to 10bet, expressed bewilderment at Arsenal's interest. 'I don't get Arsenal. They've got a big squad as it is, and I just don't understand why they keep getting linked with these players. Mind you, it could just be his agent pushing stories. I'm surprised Arsenal are linked with him. He's nearly 30 and he's going to want at least a four-year contract, so I don't see where that story has come from.'
Waddle also highlighted the financial risk: 'There will be clubs interested if the price is right, but because he'll want a long contract, not many clubs will do that without getting any financial return on the investment down the line. You don't want to pay £50m, £60m, or £70m for someone you're not going to get anything back on. It will be interesting to see what happens.'
Contract Situation and World Cup Impact
Guimaraes has approximately two years left on his Newcastle contract, which Waddle believes could be a factor. 'He might be looking for a four-year contract somewhere else – probably the last biggest pay day of what is left in his career. Unless Newcastle upgrade his contract, you could see him leaving. I'm sure clubs are interested, but because he has two years left, Newcastle can demand a hefty price. That might stop a lot of clubs because they'll question if he's worth that much money.'
Guimaraes' Brazil were knocked out of the World Cup by Norway in the round of 16. Waddle noted that for many players, a World Cup serves as a shop window, but he was not impressed by Brazil's performance. 'He has a great engine, he's tidy, and he keeps the ball well. I can see why he fits into a lot of teams. Going into that tournament, him and his agent will have known if he wants to leave Newcastle, and clubs will have been in touch with his agent after watching him.'
Arsenal's Transfer Strategy Questioned
Waddle's comments reflect broader doubts about Arsenal's transfer strategy. The Gunners already boast a deep squad, and investing heavily in a player approaching 30 with limited resale value is seen as risky. With Newcastle holding out for a substantial fee, Arsenal may decide to redirect their resources elsewhere. The coming weeks will reveal whether the club heeds Waddle's advice or presses ahead with the pursuit of Guimaraes.
