Eddie Howe's departure from Newcastle United could give Arsenal a clearer path to signing captain Bruno Guimaraes.
Newcastle confirmed on Thursday that Howe is leaving after five years in charge, a decision that comes after Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali were sold this summer. The outgoing manager had been desperate to keep Guimaraes at St James' Park, and his exit may break the deadlock over the Brazilian's future.
Transfer saga takes new twist
Arsenal's summer pursuit of Guimaraes has been one of the key storylines of the window. The Gunners are eager to add the Newcastle captain to their squad, but a £70million deal has yet to be agreed, and the two clubs have not opened direct negotiations.
According to The Telegraph, Howe had become extremely frustrated by the sales of Gordon and Tonali, as well as the continuing uncertainty over his captain's future. Guimaraes, 28, is set to return to Newcastle for pre-season training on Friday, but conversations about his exit or stay are only expected to heat up following Howe's exit.
The Brazilian has built a close relationship with the Newcastle faithful but is receptive to a move to London that would see him return to the Champions League.
Arsenal confirm more signings expected
Unlike many clubs, Arsenal have openly signalled they are not finished in the transfer market. In a preview of Saturday's pre-season friendly against Girona on the club's official website, the Gunners wrote: "Two new signings have also joined the group this pre-season – goalkeeper Illan Meslier and forward Christos Tzolis – with more expected to sign before the end of the transfer window."
Mikel Arteta also hinted at further arrivals in an interview with Arsenal.com. "We all know about the context of this transfer window. From ownership to the board, the sporting director and myself, we know that we want to take this club to a different level," the Arsenal manager said.
"That is going to require a better squad, better individuals. We have identified where we have opportunities to grow and to improve and to evolve our game and what is going to be needed to achieve that. Hopefully very soon we can start to put things in a very concrete way."
