Bruno Guimaraes has informed Newcastle United of his desire to join Arsenal, according to reports, but the Magpies have made it clear they have no intention of selling their captain this summer. The Brazilian midfielder's agents are understood to have given the Gunners encouragement that he is ready to leave St James' Park, with a bid exceeding £60million believed to be sufficient to secure the 28-year-old.
However, Newcastle's response has been unequivocal: they absolutely do not plan to sell their skipper. The club are under no obligation to offload Guimaraes, who still has two years remaining on his current contract, and believe that offers them adequate protection. The Telegraph reports that Newcastle will demand £100m for Guimaraes, after selling Sandro Tonali to Tottenham for a similar fee this week.
Arsenal Interest Confirmed But No Formal Offer Yet
Express Sport understands that Arsenal have registered their interest in Guimaraes, with Mikel Arteta's side reportedly told that a bid exceeding £60million could be sufficient. However, no formal contact, approach or offer has yet been made. For now, Newcastle have no immediate question to answer. Yet the Arsenal interest is there, according to sources in the capital.
A report in The Athletic suggests that Guimaraes has told Newcastle of his desire to join Arsenal. The Brazilian is said to be extremely emotional after Brazil's early World Cup exit, but there is no chance the Magpies will sell for £60m, which is the fee Arsenal would prefer to pay.
Comparisons to Alexander Isak Saga
The situation draws comparisons with last summer's protracted transfer saga involving Alexander Isak and Liverpool, which ultimately concluded with his £125m departure. Newcastle's hierarchy are conscious that a repeat of the Isak scenario remains a very real threat. Insiders at Arsenal have indicated that a firm bid may materialise later in the transfer window.
Guimaraes is believed to harbour concerns over Newcastle's sporting ambitions following the club's failure to qualify for Europe and the sales of key figures such as Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon. No release clause exists to activate in his contract, but a figure of approximately £60m has been considered a sum that could prove decisive in securing the Brazil international.
Bruno's agency has declined to comment on the matter. For now, Newcastle's stance is clear: they will not sell their captain for anything less than their valuation, and they are prepared to keep him at the club for the remaining two years of his contract.
