Newcastle United transfer target Danilo would reportedly prefer a return to the Premier League rather than signing for a domestic rival this summer, according to reports in Brazil.
Danilo as Guimaraes Replacement
The Magpies are said to view the 25-year-old Botafogo midfielder as a possible replacement for captain Bruno Guimaraes, should the Brazilian leave St. James' Park for Arsenal this summer. Danilo represented Nottingham Forest from 2023 to 2025 before returning to Brazil in July 2025, signing for Botafogo for a reported £18.6m. Injuries hampered his stint at the City Ground, and the report claims the midfielder is keen on a return to England, with Palmeiras and Zenit St. Petersburg also reportedly interested.
Midfield Rebuild and Guimaraes Future
Newcastle could be in line for a complete midfield rebuild, with Danilo replacing Guimaraes at St. James' Park, should the 28-year-old leave. Talks of a fresh Arsenal bid for Guimaraes were dismissed on Saturday night, following chatter relating to a £70m price tag on July 23, when the BBC made a big claim that a concrete offer was close. However, Newcastle did not receive a £70m bid, which is why fresh talk of £80m on Saturday evening left the Magpies perplexed. The Toon have made it clear they don't want to sell the player this summer, though that may come down to Guimaraes and his representatives.
Eddie Howe's Comments
Eddie Howe broke his silence on a possible Guimaraes departure following Newcastle's 1-1 draw with Gateshead in pre-season. Howe said: "I have spoken to him normally as I would do. Bruno is a fantastic person and we had some really good conversations before and during the World Cup and after the World Cup. What we speak about has to remain private. He is a great player and a great person."
Howe added: "Look I don't know what is going to happen with Bruno's future, that is for other people to speculate about. But also conversations that I'm not part of." When asked about similarities between Bruno wanting to leave and Alexander Isak's transfer saga last season, Howe said: "I don't think it's fair to compare situations and what happened previously. I think you've got to look at it in its own right. Bruno is the captain of our football club. He's been an unbelievable player and person all through the time that we've worked together. I speak on behalf of everyone at the football club. We absolutely love him and, of course, everyone would want him to stay."
