Newcastle United have vowed to stick to their transfer plan this summer despite growing alarm over interest in their players, particularly after Arsenal held preliminary talks over Bruno Guimaraes. Sporting director Ross Wilson and the recruitment team at Benton continue to work on incomings as they seek an exciting breakthrough in the summer window.
Minimal Incomings So Far
United have only added Ewen Jaouen to their squad since the end of the season, the French U21 goalkeeper moving from Reims in an £18.5 million deal. Jaouen's signing follows the model Newcastle are pursuing this summer of targeting young, talented players across Europe. However, the Frenchman is not expected to be the Magpies' No 1 goalkeeper when the season starts.
Having lost Anthony Gordon to Barcelona, as well as seeing the likes of Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth, and Aaron Ramsdale leave since the end of the season, Eddie Howe's squad is weaker just over two weeks away from returning for pre-season training.
Setbacks in the Market
Howe spoke in May about Newcastle needing to get their transfer business done early, but those plans have hit a stumbling block. Missing out on Victor Munoz was a particular setback after so much time and effort was invested in that deal, and a week on there has been little noticeable progress. The market remains slow, with many clubs yet to sign a player as the World Cup complicates matters. Newcastle and other Premier League clubs expected business to not be swift as top players wait until after the tournament before settling their future.
However, Spurs have moved quickly with four signings already, while Manchester City's breakthrough over signing Elliot Anderson – a £115 million deal was agreed with Nottingham Forest last night – could have a domino effect.
Dressing Room Concerns
Wilson and Howe remain in constant dialogue, and while Newcastle understand the frustration and alarm among the fanbase – particularly after last summer's issues – they remain resolute that they will stick to their plan and keep patient. That alarm only increased with the news that Arsenal have held preliminary talks over potentially signing Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes.
However, United insist that the Brazilian is not for sale and they are working on a new contract offer for the 28-year-old, who has two years left on his contract. Guimaraes' importance to the Newcastle dressing room – as well as on the pitch – is vast, and some club sources fear that the constant noise around United's players is becoming unsettling.
Ongoing Transfer Activity
Spurs were reported to have enquired again about Sandro Tonali, having had an £80 million bid rejected last week, while Chronicle Live revealed that United are unhappy with Manchester United over Lewis Hall and think there have been a few dirty tricks behind the scenes. A lot of the noise would quieten down should Newcastle make a positive statement with a signing, and that remains Wilson's focus heading into the weekend, with United's recruitment team working around the clock.
