Bruno Guimaraes' agent, Alexis Malavolta, has posted a cryptic social media update as Arsenal intensify their pursuit of the Newcastle United midfielder. Reports from London suggest the Gunners are preparing a £70million offer for Guimaraes.
Newcastle dismiss £70m bid as non-starter
However, sources on Tyneside insist Arsenal's chances of landing Guimaraes for anything close to £70m are a 'non-starter.' Speculation has grown following Newcastle's capture of Aladji Bamba from Monaco, but it is not believed that the youngster has been signed as a direct successor to Guimaraes.
ChronicleLive previously reported that neither the player nor his representatives have submitted a formal transfer request, and Guimaraes remains under contract at St James' Park for at least another two years.
Agent's cryptic post
On Thursday, Malavolta shared a mysterious message on his Instagram story. The photograph showed him at the bow of a vessel, gazing across a vivid blue ocean in an unidentified location, with his right arm lifted to his head, potentially engaged in a telephone conversation. The caption read: "Always working."
The message appeared just a few hours before claims of a £70m bid for Guimaraes started to surface. It's difficult to determine whether the post was connected to the midfielder, but the timing is significant.
Arsenal's pursuit and Newcastle's stance
Guimaraes continues to be a priority target for Premier League champions Arsenal, though Newcastle have not yet received any formal approach from the Gunners. While the Magpies' position remains firm, the circumstances would shift dramatically should he lodge a transfer request, with Newcastle prepared to demand a figure nearer £100million. This sits considerably above the sums being discussed from Arsenal's camp, which have ranged from as little as £45m to £60m.
Newcastle determined to avoid repeat of Isak saga
Newcastle will be determined to prevent a repeat of last summer's impasse, when Alexander Isak refused to return to pre-season following the opening week in Austria. The Swede declined to travel to Singapore and South Korea for the club's Far East tour and subsequently trained alone in Spain. He never re-joined the main squad and eventually secured his £125m transfer to Liverpool.
Regarding Guimaraes, the internal belief is that the 28-year-old will report back during the first week of August, with Eddie Howe eager to ensure he's completely concentrated on the 2026/27 season.
