Manchester United legend Bryan Robson has called on his former club to hijack Arsenal's pursuit of Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, with the Brazilian potentially commanding a fee of up to £100m. Arsenal saw a £45m verbal offer rejected earlier this month and are considering an improved bid, but Robson believes United should enter the race for the 28-year-old.
Arsenal's pursuit and Newcastle's stance
Arsenal, looking to strengthen Mikel Arteta's squad after winning the Premier League title, made an initial £45m approach for Guimaraes. Newcastle immediately rebuffed the offer, with reports suggesting the Magpies could demand up to £100m given the current transfer market climate. The Gunners have been encouraged by indications that Guimaraes has informed Newcastle of his desire to leave and is keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Guimaraes has been a key figure since his £40m move from Lyon in 2022, helping Newcastle qualify for the Champions League and win the Carabao Cup. His influence in midfield has made him one of the Premier League's most consistent performers.
Manchester United's midfield needs
Manchester United have already signed two midfielders this summer: Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. However, manager Michael Carrick is keen to add at least one more midfielder following Casemiro's departure and a serious injury to Manuel Ugarte suffered at the World Cup. Robson sees Guimaraes as the ideal replacement for Casemiro.
“Bruno Guimaraes would be the right player for Manchester United to replace Casemiro,” Robson told Hajper. “I’ve always liked him as a captain. He’s got a great attitude. He must be a good lad to have around the place. He’s carried himself really well at Newcastle.”
Robson's tactical analysis
Robson highlighted Guimaraes' intelligence and versatility, drawing comparisons with Casemiro. “You’ve got to be careful how many players you send forward but the way Bruno Fernandes gets on the ball, Bruno Guimaraes can do the work that Casemiro has done at United because he’s such an intelligent player,” he said.
“Casemiro got a little bit of stick for not being able to get about the park enough but he was clever too, scored goals with his head and could defend well when he was in the right position, and he was great at passing it forward through to Bruno. Bruno Guimaraes can do all that for you too. He’s a midfield player who can do a little bit of both, in attacking and in defence, and he’s got a very good engine.”
Doubts over availability
Robson acknowledged potential obstacles, noting that Newcastle have already lost Sandro Tonali this summer. “The only question mark is whether he’d be available now this summer. I’d be very surprised if Newcastle sold him in the same summer as Sandro Tonali leaving the club. I’m not sure they’d allow it,” he added.
Contrasting opinion from Dwight Yorke
Former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke offered a different perspective, expressing reservations about Guimaraes' quality. “I don’t know about Bruno Guimaraes,” Yorke told BoyleSports. “I’m not sure he has been that impressive. I watched him play for Brazil at the World Cup and he’s not convinced me. I think he’s good. He’s shown that at Newcastle United. He’s got a good work ethic. I understand the value of that. But is that what you’re paying for when you sign a player to come to Manchester United? A good work ethic?”
Yorke questioned whether Guimaraes could elevate United to title contenders. “Will Bruno Guimaraes put United any closer to the Premier League title? If so, he’s a good signing. But he doesn’t excite me. I’m not seeing him picking up a ball and boom, sending over one of those diagonal passes or cutting defenders apart with one ball. I just don’t see that quality from him. That’s why his performances for Brazil worried me. He was just another solid player in that team.”
Transfer market implications
With Arsenal weighing their next move and Manchester United potentially entering the fray, Guimaraes' future remains uncertain. A £100m fee would represent a significant profit for Newcastle, who paid £40m for him three years ago. The midfielder's desire to leave could force the Magpies' hand, but the departure of Tonali may complicate any sale.
