Newcastle United will instantly reject any lowball offers for Bruno Guimaraes this month, with the Magpies convinced that the player's value remains high amid Arsenal's interest.
Arsenal's Proposal and Contract Details
Chronicle Live understands that Arsenal's stance on Guimaraes is that now is the best time for Newcastle to sell as his contract counts down until its last two years. Talk of Arsenal offering Bruno a five-year deal that would set him up for life was circulating from the capital last night. However, with Newcastle believed to have another year option, the argument is that Bruno remains tied down to United and the powers that be can demand whatever they please for his services - and are in no mood not to raise the stakes in the situation.
Newcastle's Firm Stance
With no minimum fee release clauses involved this time, Newcastle could try to hold out for much more than the £60m tipping point being discussed by intermediaries or indeed - if they wanted - find another buyer. Newcastle are keen to see some commitment from Bruno this pre-season and don't want a re-run of the Alexander Isak situation that eventually resulted in him winning his move to Liverpool for £125m last summer. Claims that Bruno asked for a move to Arsenal were played down earlier this week, and Newcastle continue to insist he will not be sold.
Potential Bid and Comparison to Isak
With an official bid poised on the Arsenal side, it could well fall flat, just like the first bid for Isak last August, when a £110m offer was swiftly rejected before the Reds returned on deadline day with £125m. The tactic succeeded in keeping Isak distracted, and the same could well unfold for Bruno with Eddie Howe and his coaching staff keen to see the Brazil international back through the doors at the KNOX.
Newcastle's New Signings
Newcastle secured the services of 18-year-old Sean Steur this week for £23m and could soon add Johan Manzambi for a fee of £49m after "positive talks" between SC Freiburg, the player himself and sporting director Ross Wilson. The arrival of Manzambi would at least ease the tension around the fanbase after the Bruno stories resulted in big questions from some followers who don't see where the project is going and feel challenging with a young side means a step or two backwards from a Champions League tilt.
Pre-Season Training
Newcastle return for pre-season training on July 13, although some players are beginning to start work early with Ewen Jaouen already starting his journey on Tyneside. Indeed, Jaouen has been spotted in training and is ready to show what he can do in the club's pre-season friendly games coming up this month.
