Arsenal reportedly preparing £70m bid for Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes
Arsenal is reportedly preparing a £70m offer for Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazil international is considered a primary target for the Gunners, with the midfielder reportedly keen on joining the Premier League champions.
Newcastle is aware of the 28-year-old‘s preference to 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 of the player.
Sources close to Newcastle have indicated that the club has no intention of selling Guimaraes this summer and that no direct approach has been made by the Gunners for their player. However, Arsenal is determined to bolster its squad with high-quality players this summer as it aims to build on its previous season’s title success.
Newcastle’s Stance on Guimaraes
Newcastle is reportedly frustrated by Arsenal‘s pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes and will only consider selling him for a transfer fee upwards of £80m. According to reports, Guimaraes has informed Newcastle of his desire to join Arsenal this summer.
However, contrary to some reports, the Gunners have not yet made direct contact with Newcastle. Instead, Arsenal has explored the conditions of a deal through intermediaries. This approach has reportedly left Newcastle frustrated as they attempt to ascertain the genuine interest from Arsenal.
The situation is expected to continue, but Newcastle remains committed to retaining 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. Newcastle signed Guimaraes for £40m in 2022.
One reporter noted that the stories surrounding Bruno Guimaraes are persistent because he has expressed a desire to explore a move away from the club, specifically to Arsenal. Guimaraes is described as ambitious, seeking to win trophies and titles, which he reportedly believes Newcastle cannot offer in the Premier League.
It has been suggested that Arsenal needs to make a concrete offer to Newcastle. Despite various reports of bids made through intermediaries, Arsenal has reportedly not contacted Newcastle directly. In fact, Newcastle has reportedly reached out to Arsenal to inquire about their seriousness regarding the player, as they have received no direct communication.
This situation, playing out through agents, is reportedly frustrating for Newcastle as it is believed to be unsettling the player, leading to his expressed interest in exploring other options. Newcastle is currently undergoing a busy summer, having sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £69.3m before Tonali‘s £100m sale.
The club has also invested a combined £83.5m in Bazoumana Toure, Sean Steur, and Ewen Jaouen. Arsenal, on the other hand, has not yet finalized any major signings. Morgan Rogers, a previous target for Arsenal, joined Chelsea from Aston Villa for £117m.
Arsenal’s Transfer Strategy
Arsenal had shown interest in signing Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa but reportedly refused to exceed their £80m valuation of the player. It is understood that Arsenal was given the chance to match Chelsea‘s offer for Rogers but declined.
Similarly, Arsenal maintains a strict maximum valuation for Guimaraes and is reportedly unwilling to overpay, despite their strong desire to sign the midfielder. The Gunners are also significantly interested in Villa defender Ezri Konsa and have made inquiries about the England international’s availability, with Konsa being their top defensive target.
Additionally, Arsenal has Como‘s Jacobo Ramon on a list of defenders they are considering, but clauses in the Spanish player’s contract are understood to complicate a potential deal. Having missed out on Rogers, the Gunners are still actively seeking attacking reinforcements.
Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez is considered Arsenal‘s dream target, but his 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.
Guimaraes, who played for Brazil at the World Cup, has made 195 appearances across all competitions for Newcastle, scoring 31 goals. His leadership, experience, consistent robustness, and comprehensive midfield attributes make him an appealing target for Arsenal as they aim to build on their recent success.
The situation regarding Guimaraes is expected to continue, with Newcastle determined not to sell him unless a substantial offer is made. Guimaraes will reportedly be 29 soon, a factor that could influence his valuation compared to younger players.
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Source: bbc.com
