Manchester United have been encouraged to hijack Arsenal's pursuit of Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, with club legend Bryan Robson endorsing the Brazilian as the ideal replacement for Casemiro. The 28-year-old, valued at around £75 million by Newcastle, has been the subject of intense speculation amid reports he wants to leave St James' Park this summer.
Robson backs Guimaraes for Old Trafford
Speaking to Hajper, Robson said: "Bruno Guimaraes would be the right player for Manchester United to replace Casemiro. 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 highlighted Guimaraes' versatility: "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." However, he expressed doubt about Newcastle selling both Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali in the same window: "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."
Arsenal lead the race
Arsenal have emerged as frontrunners for Guimaraes, with reports suggesting an initial offer may have been rejected. The Brazil international is under contract at Newcastle until 2028, but reports earlier this month indicated he has expressed a desire to leave this summer.
United's midfield plans
Manchester United have already agreed a deal to sign Andrey Santos from Chelsea and are pursuing Atalanta's Ederson, though that move faces uncertainty. United were reported in March to be 'advancing in talks' to sign Guimaraes in a £69 million deal. Robson believes Guimaraes can replicate Casemiro's role: "Casemiro got a little bit of stick for not being able to get about the park enough but he was clever too... Bruno Guimaraes can do all that for you too."
