Newcastle rejects Arsenal’s initial bid for Bruno Guimaraes
Newcastle rejects initial Arsenal bid
Newcastle United has rejected an opening bid from Arsenal for their captain, Bruno Guimaraes. The Premier League champions are reportedly in direct discussions with Newcastle regarding a potential transfer for the Brazil international midfielder. Guimaraes, who has two years remaining on his contract at St James’ Park with a club-held option for a third, had previously informed Newcastle management last month of his desire to join Arsenal this summer.
Arsenal is currently evaluating internally whether to submit an improved offer for the 28-year-old player. Guimaraes joined Newcastle in 2022 from Lyon for £40m and has since made 195 appearances for the club, scoring 31 goals. Earlier this week, Guimaraes travelled to Spain to join Newcastle United at their pre-season training camp in La Manga, arriving in agreement with the club to link up with the squad.
Ongoing transfer discussions
Reports indicate that Newcastle is determined to retain their captain, despite the player’s expressed interest in moving to Arsenal. Football expert Julian Laurens commented on the situation, describing it as an “interesting chess game” between the two clubs. Laurens suggested that Newcastle would aim to secure the highest possible fee from Arsenal, while Arsenal has demonstrated a reluctance to overpay for players this summer, adhering to their perceived value.
Laurens also noted that the initial bid was expected to be rejected, paving the way for further discussions between the clubs. He believes that Newcastle is aware of Guimaraes’s desire to join Arsenal, and highlighted Newcastle’s current financial situation as a factor. The departure of former head coach Eddie Howe was also mentioned in connection with the potential sale of Guimaraes, with Laurens suggesting Howe knew Guimaraes might be sold at some point.
The expert anticipates that a deal could materialise within the next few weeks. From Arsenal’s perspective, acquiring Guimaraes would provide them with a versatile midfielder capable of playing as a No. 6, No. 8, and No. 10. Mikel Arteta’s interest in Guimaraes is reportedly due to his press-resistant qualities, making him suitable for dictating tempo and controlling play in front of the back four.
Speculation and club stance
Despite widespread reports over the weekend claiming Newcastle had accepted an £80m bid from Arsenal and that a medical was arranged, sources close to Newcastle have denied these claims. They insist there has been no direct contact between the clubs regarding the 28-year-old Brazil international. Arsenal’s long-standing interest in Guimaraes is well-known, particularly after their Premier League title win last season, their first since 2004.
However, Newcastle has reportedly grown increasingly frustrated by the ongoing speculation surrounding their player without concrete action. The club’s stance remains focused on keeping Guimaraes, who recently praised his former boss, Eddie Howe, on Instagram, calling him the “King of this club” and thanking him for his contributions.
Other transfer news includes Arsenal’s pursuit of Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr, with a transfer now considered a possibility. To facilitate significant deals, Arsenal may need to sell players, with Christian Norgaard and Myles Lewis-Skelly potentially departing. Manchester United is exploring options for Lewis-Skelly and also pursuing Lewis Hall from Newcastle United. Meanwhile, Chelsea has announced the signing of Danny Welbeck, with Jordan Henderson expected to follow, and Mohamed Salah has reportedly found a new club after leaving Liverpool.
Juventus has ended their pursuit of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez and is now exploring a loan deal for Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario. Tottenham is also interested in Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo, though Liverpool would require a replacement before allowing him to leave. Cristian Romero is expected to leave Tottenham this summer, with interest from Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan. Additionally, Tottenham’s Mikey Moore is set for a loan move, with German side Koln leading the race for his signature.
Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha suggested that Harry Maguire might consider leaving the club, while Roberto De Zerbi expressed uncertainty about Richarlison’s future at Tottenham. The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has withdrawn its support for Fifa president Gianni Infantino’s re-election bid, becoming the first national association to do so.
The discussions between Arsenal and Newcastle for Bruno Guimaraes are expected to continue in the coming weeks.
Source: skysports.com
