Newcastle frustrated by Arsenal’s pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes, demands £80m fee
Arsenal is reportedly preparing a £70m offer for Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazil international is a primary target for the Gunners, with the midfielder indicating a desire to join the Premier League champions. Newcastle is aware of the player’s preference for a move to Arsenal this summer.
Discussions regarding a potential transfer for Guimaraes are said to be ongoing and have reportedly intensified in recent days. While reaching an agreement on personal terms is not anticipated to be an issue, it remains uncertain if Arsenal’s £70m bid will align with Newcastle’s valuation.
Sources close to Newcastle maintain that the Magpies do not intend to sell Guimaraes this summer and assert that there has been no direct communication from the Gunners regarding their player. However, Arsenal is determined to strengthen its squad with high-quality players this summer, aiming to build upon its success in the previous season’s title race.
Newcastle’s Stance on Transfer
Newcastle has expressed frustration with Arsenal’s pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes and will reportedly only consider selling him for a fee exceeding £80m. According to reports, Guimaraes has informed his club of his wish to join Arsenal this summer. However, it is reported that the Gunners have not yet made direct contact with Newcastle.
Instead, Arsenal has reportedly explored the conditions of a deal through intermediaries. This approach has reportedly left Newcastle frustrated as they attempt to ascertain the genuineness of Arsenal’s interest. The situation is expected to continue, but Newcastle is determined to retain their captain and values him at over £80m. This valuation is £20m less than the £100m received for his former teammate Sandro Tonali, who was sold to Spurs earlier this month.
One reporter noted that the stories surrounding Bruno Guimaraes are persistent because he has expressed a desire to explore a move away from Newcastle, specifically to Arsenal. The player is described as ambitious, seeking to win trophies and aiming for titles, rather than concluding his career with only a Carabao Cup and potentially another cup with Newcastle.
Despite reports of Arsenal making bids through intermediaries, Newcastle asserts that they have not been directly contacted. It is understood that Newcastle has even reached out to Arsenal to inquire about the seriousness of their interest, as they have received no direct communication. This process, involving agents, is reportedly unsettling the player, leading him to consider other options.
Arsenal’s Transfer Strategy and Other Targets
Arsenal previously showed interest in Morgan Rogers, who ultimately joined Chelsea for £117m from Aston Villa. However, Arsenal declined to exceed their £80m valuation for Rogers. It is understood that Arsenal had the opportunity to match Chelsea’s offer but chose not to.
Similarly, Arsenal reportedly has a firm maximum valuation for Guimaraes and is unwilling to overpay, despite their strong desire to sign the midfielder. Having missed out on Rogers, the Gunners remain active in the market for attacking reinforcements.
Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez is considered a dream target for Arsenal. However, Alvarez’s current desire to join Barcelona and the potential cost, which could surpass the British record fee of £125m set when Alexander Isak moved from Newcastle to Liverpool, present significant challenges. Arsenal has also explored a move for Paris St-Germain winger Bradley Barcola.
In terms of defensive targets, Arsenal has a major interest in Villa defender Ezri Konsa and has inquired about the England international’s availability. Konsa is reportedly Arsenal’s first-choice defensive target. The Gunners also have Jacobo Ramon of Como on a list of defenders they would like to acquire, but clauses in the Spaniard’s contract are understood to complicate a potential deal.
Newcastle is currently experiencing a busy summer, having sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £69.3m before Tonali’s £100m sale to Spurs. The club has also spent a combined £83.5m on Bazoumana Toure, Sean Steur, and Ewen Jaouen. Arsenal, in contrast, has not yet completed any major signings this summer.
Guimaraes, who participated in the World Cup for Brazil, has made 195 appearances across all competitions for Newcastle, scoring 31 goals. His leadership, experience, consistent fitness, and comprehensive midfield skills make him an appealing prospect for Arsenal, as they aim to build on their previous season’s achievements.
Newcastle is reportedly determined not to sell Guimaraes, having stated he is not for sale. However, once a player expresses a desire to leave, it becomes challenging to retain them. Arsenal will need to make a concrete offer, not through intermediaries, for Newcastle to take their interest seriously.
Read Also
Source: bbc.com
