Arsenal set to step up Bruno Guimaraes transfer chase in bid to end Newcastle standoff
Arsenal are set to accelerate talks for Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes in the next week, talkSPORT understands.
The Gunners have made the Magpies captain a priority signing and have hope of striking an agreement before the month is out.
Newcastle insist formal talks are yet to begin, but talkSPORT understands verbal discussions are ongoing with Newcastle’s senior leadership now directly involved.
Arsenal to accelerate talks for Bruno Guimaraes
Arsenal are prepared to pay north of £70million, while Guimaraes has already agreed broad terms, as talkSPORT revealed earlier this month.
Newcastle have been left frustrated over speculation regarding Guimaraes’ future, and insiders are surprised by Arsenal’s lack of a formal bid to date.
Yet Arsenal sources have told talkSPORT three verbal offers have already been placed.
The clubs clearly disagree on what constitutes a bid, which may in part be down to semantics and also the use of intermediaries.
Newcastle can ill afford to lose their captain this summer, having already seen Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon depart.
Star winger Gordon joined Barcelona in a £70m deal, while Tonali moved to Tottenham for a total package worth around £100m.
The departure of Guimaraes would see Newcastle lose two of last season’s midfield three, though they have strengthened in that area having brought in Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba from Ajax and Monaco respectively.
Guimaraes still has two years left on his contract, and the Magpies are under no pressure to sell after losing two of their key players already.
Howe will this play out?
With Arsenal stepping up their pursuit of Guimaraes, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admitted on Saturday he does not know what the future holds for his skipper.
The Magpies played out a 1-1 draw away at Gateshead, and after the match, Howe was asked about his captain.
He said: “I’ve spoken to Bruno before, during and after the World Cup. We have had some really good conversations. He’s just a fantastic person.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen with his future; that’s for other people to speculate about. There’s conversations I’m not part of.
“I don’t think it’s fair to compare (to Isak last summer). You’ve got to look at it in its own right.
“He’s captain of our club and been an unbelievable player, through the whole time we have worked together.
“I speak on behalf of everyone at the club; we absolutely love him, and of course everyone would love him to stay.
“He’s due back on the 31st [of July], and there’s nothing to say he won’t be back.”
talkSPORT understands Newcastle also want quick clarity over Guimaraes’ future.
Sources are reticent to compare the situation to the Alexander Isak saga given Newcastle believe Guimaraes won’t refuse to participate in pre-season or play for Newcastle again.
He remains a popular member of the dressing room, and Newcastle have received no indication Guimaraes will act anything other than professionally.
However, Newcastle don’t want speculation to drag on all summer, while those close to Guimaraes have told talkSPORT he would prefer his future resolved sooner rather than later as well.
The Brazilian is still on a break following the World Cup. Newcastle would be prepared to offer Guimaraes a new deal if he remains.
Newcastle sources also indicate a £70m bid would be rejected, but talkSPORT understands Arsenal are prepared to go higher than this reported number.
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