Bruno Guimaraes' father has spoken publicly for the first time since his son's decisive penalty miss for Brazil at the World Cup, as Arsenal reportedly close in on a summer move for the Newcastle United midfielder.
Guimaraes' Dad Backs Son After Penalty Heartbreak
Dick Guimaraes took to Instagram days after Brazil's round-of-16 exit to Norway, where Bruno missed a crucial spot-kick that saw Martin Odegaard's side claim a shock victory. The post, translated from Portuguese via Newcastle World, read: "You need courage to enter the arena and do what needs to be done. From the stands, it is very easy to give opinions."
The message comes amid rampant transfer speculation linking the Newcastle captain with a move to Arsenal. According to reports, Guimaraes has informed the Magpies he wants to join Mikel Arteta's side, though Newcastle have insisted he is not for sale. Arsenal are understood to be weighing up an offer regardless.
Arsenal's Transfer Window Strategy Takes Shape
Sporting director Andrea Berta has been biding his time in the summer window, scouring the market for the best possible deals. The Italian has reportedly made progress by agreeing personal terms with several top targets, including Guimaraes and Morgan Rogers. No major signings have been announced yet, but the remainder of July is expected to be busy.
Last year, Arsenal confirmed six signings in July alone. While so many additions are unlikely this time, Berta and Arteta are expected to add several high-quality players before the season begins with the Community Shield clash against Manchester City on August 16.
Eight Arsenal Stars Set to Miss Pre-Season Matches
Eight Arsenal players who have reached the World Cup semi-finals have been set a return date to club football. All players are officially given a minimum of 21 days off as part of their summer break. While this can be waived, players are usually encouraged to take it to ensure they have recovered.
David Raya, Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi, William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and Declan Rice are all due to take part in semi-final matches this week. If any are eliminated, their expected return date would not be until after the pre-season friendly against Real Betis on August 5 in Dublin. They would also miss the friendly against Girona on August 1.
August 9, an Emirates Cup game against Borussia Dortmund, is Arsenal's next fixture and the one where non-injured players who haven't reached the final are expected to return. Several players, including Rice, Saka and Saliba, have been dealing with fitness issues and could return later.
Impact on Arsenal's Pre-Season Preparations
The absences could affect Arsenal's preparations for the new season, with Arteta likely to rely on younger players and new signings during the early friendlies. The Community Shield against Manchester City on August 16 will be the first competitive match of the campaign.
