Jamie Carragher believes Newcastle may cash in on whichever player commands the highest fee as Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes both attract interest from rival clubs. The former Liverpool defender expressed fears that the Magpies' squad is 'breaking up' after Anthony Gordon's departure to Barcelona.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher said: 'Not a great season for them last season, but it just almost feels like that team is sort of breaking up now. Anthony Gordon has gone, Tonali is looking like he may move on. I think there’s been a bid for Arsenal as well today for Bruno Guimaraes.'
Newcastle facing midfield exodus
Tonali has been linked with a move away from St James' Park since January and has already seen a bid from Tottenham rejected. Arsenal and Manchester City are also monitoring the Italian, who has been viewed as the most likely Newcastle midfielder to leave. However, recent reports suggest Guimaraes could also depart, despite being the club's captain. Arsenal have assessed the situation, and Carragher believes Newcastle will ultimately sell whichever player generates the highest fee, with both valued at around £100 million.
Carragher added: 'Guimaraes is a wonderful player. He’s loved up there, maybe he’s getting a little bit frustrated at seeing all his mates getting linked with moves or looking like they’re going, and maybe he’s put a story out – or he and his people have, I don’t know – or maybe it is a genuine bid from Arsenal.'
Impact on Newcastle's project
The ex-Liverpool star warned that losing both players would be too much for Newcastle to handle. 'I think if Anthony Gordon goes and Tonali, I think if you lose any more, it’s probably too much then, really. I think Guimaraes and Tonali both leave a huge hole for Newcastle to fill. So, I think they probably lose one of them, and it would probably come down to who is getting offered the most money for.'
Newcastle's Saudi Arabian owners began with a bang when they took over, but some have questioned their commitment to the project in the North East. The potential departures of key players like Tonali and Guimaraes could signal a shift in the club's ambitions.
