Newcastle United sources have denied reports that Arsenal have opened talks over Bruno Guimaraes, despite the Brazilian midfielder telling the club he wants to leave to win silverware. The Times reported on Tuesday that Arsenal had officially opened talks for the 28-year-old, with Newcastle valuing him at £75m. However, football.london cites Magpies sources as saying there remains no bid, offers or direct contact between the clubs. Discussions have taken place through intermediaries, with super agent Kia Joorabchian involved in sorting out Guimaraes' future. Arsenal's valuation of Guimaraes, whose contract expires in less than two years, is said to be far lower than Newcastle's.
£70m Emirates Extension Signed
Arsenal have agreed a new deal with long-term title sponsor Emirates worth a reported £70m-a-year plus bonuses. The deal, negotiated by chief commercial officer Juliet Slot, represents a huge increase on the £45m-a-year deal which ran until 2028. It extends the airline's association with the club ahead of the current agreement's scheduled expiry in 2028. The Telegraph reports that the renewed partnership covers naming rights to Emirates Stadium and front-of-shirt sponsorship for Arsenal's men's and women's teams.
The stadium has borne the name of the United Arab Emirates' airline since it opened in 2006, with the shirt deal beginning at the same time. The improved terms are a result of Mikel Arteta's side clinching their first Premier League title in 22 years and Arsenal Women's Champions League success last year boosting the club's commercial appeal.
Transfer Window Activity
Arsenal have been relatively quiet in the transfer window compared to rivals, despite talk of a £250m war chest. They sealed the permanent transfer of Piero Hincapie for £34m last month, added back-up goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer, and sanctioned the £17m departure of Leandro Trossard while acquiring his replacement, Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis for £34m. However, fans are concerned that sporting director Andrea Berta has fallen short of objectives, with several players yet to be offloaded and no marquee forward, midfielder or defender of starting calibre signed. The club missed out on Jeremy Monga to Manchester City and Morgan Rogers to Chelsea after refusing to meet Aston Villa's valuation.
