Newcastle United chiefs remain cautious of talk linking Bruno Guimaraes with Arsenal after a similar experience unfolded in January. It is believed that the same process occurred in the winter window when Newcastle were told by a third party that the Gunners were considering a swoop for Sandro Tonali.
That information did not surface publicly, but Newcastle were told that a big bid for the Italy star could come their way in January only for nothing to materialise. With no official bid landing for Bruno at this stage, after a week of talk, Newcastle are trying to focus on their plan of bringing players in rather than just sales.
January Tonali Saga Raises Caution
Tonali was also informed on deadline day by his representatives of fresh Arsenal interest, but he ended up staying on Tyneside. Chronicle Live understands that Arsenal think that £65 million could be enough to trigger a sale for Bruno, but the Gunners are yet to make any formal approach.
If Newcastle did get monster bids for Tonali and Bruno at their asking price, there is no doubt that a cash boost of around £165 million would change the narrative of the transfer window for Eddie Howe, but at this stage he is working with a limited budget.
No Club-to-Club Contact for Bruno
As reported on Sunday, there has been no club-to-club contact for Bruno, and all of the conversations are taking place via intermediaries, with talk of a prepared offer of £45 million swiftly dismissed by those close to the deal. Newcastle's stance remains clear on Bruno, with Eddie Howe not wanting to sell his club captain and a high level 'not for sale' response purposely circulated.
From the player's point of view, there has been total silence on the matter via his representatives, with his agents not responding to any of the recent noise on the star's future. Arsenal's viewpoint is that anything over £50 million for Bruno is deemed a good offer because his valuation will slide in the last 24 months unless he signs a new contract.
Bruno's Contract Situation
Bruno has not had a new contract offer from Newcastle in the last 12 months and jetted off to the World Cup with his future unclear on that score, although Newcastle chiefs have pointed to the fact that he still has two years left on his current deal. Newcastle have also not had a fresh bid for Tonali after the club got an official offer for the Italian star at around £80 million on June 20.
That offer was immediately turned down, and talk that Spurs were told to return with an increased offer of £85 million was played down by Newcastle sources. Spurs will have to return with a bid closer to £100 million for Tonali, but the player is said to have understandably been receptive to the £275,000 per week wage offer from the London club while his agency GR Sports will hoover up 10% of the fee.
Financial Constraints Force Caution
Those terms put off Arsenal, hence why they turned their attention to Bruno, with Newcastle's lack of European football and vulnerable financial situation, because of the delicate SCR position, attracting interest in their star players. As reported on Chronicle Live on Saturday, Howe is dealing with a modest transfer budget that will only increase if players are sold.
Newcastle have had to factor in an impending UEFA fine for breaching SCR rules to their kitty while failing to qualify for the Champions League or even the Europa or Europa Conference Leagues means their finances will take a hit long-term and their cloth must be cut accordingly. Newcastle were priced out of any move for Borussia Dortmund's Felix Nmecha at £73.5 million, which is a set fee due to a clause, with club sources indicating the Magpies could not afford to do the deal at the current asking price.
