Newcastle United have rejected a £45 million intermediary approach for Bruno Guimaraes, with Arsenal yet to submit an official bid for the Brazilian midfielder. The Magpies maintain the player is not for sale, but uncertainty over a new contract could see his value decline.
Arsenal's interest and rejected offer
According to sources in London, Arsenal have identified Guimaraes as a less expensive alternative to Sandro Tonali. The Italian midfielder was offered to the Gunners via his agency GR Sports last week, but Arsenal baulked at his £275,000 per week wage demands and a 10 per cent agent fee on the transfer. Intermediaries then proposed a £45 million bid for Guimaraes, which Newcastle immediately dismissed.
Newcastle's firm stance
Newcastle's CEO David Hopkinson stated in March: "We think through what players might or might not want to do this summer. But if an Isak-like scenario presents itself again, any player under contract is going to leave on our terms and we're going to maximise the opportunity." The club has insisted Guimaraes is not for sale, but if he fails to sign a new deal, his value will drop as his contract nears expiry.
Contract talks stall
Reports emerged of Newcastle offering Guimaraes a new £200,000 per week deal, but those close to the player say earnings and contract length are not his motivation. The project at Newcastle is his priority, and with no European football next season and no major signings yet, his agent is monitoring developments from the World Cup. Guimaraes' representatives flew to the World Cup without a new contract from United.
Comparison with Alexander Isak saga
The situation mirrors Alexander Isak's exit last summer, when weeks of third-party talks eventually led to a firm £110 million bid from Arsenal, rejected on August 1. Newcastle's interest in Guimaraes could therefore drag on through the World Cup and beyond. Hopkinson also noted that selling a star player might be necessary to fund marquee signings: "We can do that. But we might not be able to do that without selling somebody."
No official club-to-club contact
Despite the speculation, there has been no direct contact between Newcastle and Arsenal. The Gunners are testing whether there is a tipping point for the deal. Newcastle remain cool on their stance, with the Brazilian's future uncertain as the transfer window progresses.
