Eddie Howe has admitted he does not know what will happen with Bruno Guimaraes’ future at Newcastle United, as Arsenal prepare a £70m offer for the Brazil midfielder.
The Newcastle head coach revealed he has held “really good conversations” with his captain before, during and after the World Cup – but stopped short of guaranteeing the 28-year-old will remain at St James’ Park.
“Arsenal are set to make a £70m bid for Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes as Eddie Howe admits his future is uncertain.”
“I don’t know what’s going to happen with Bruno’s future,” Howe said after Saturday’s 1-1 pre-season friendly draw against Gateshead. “That’s for other people to speculate about. They are conversations that I’m not part of.”
Arsenal are set to make a formal £70m bid for Guimaraes, who is a priority target for the Premier League champions. The Brazilian is keen to join the Gunners, and talks between the clubs are believed to have accelerated in recent days. Personal terms are not expected to be an issue.
However, sources close to Newcastle insist the Magpies have no intention of selling their talisman and that no direct approach has been made. Howe stressed that Guimaraes – who joined Newcastle in 2022 and became his third signing – remains “an unbelievable player and person”.
“I speak on behalf of everyone at the football club. We absolutely love him and, of course, everyone will want him to stay,” Howe added.
The uncertainty echoes last summer’s Alexander Isak saga, when the striker pushed to leave for Liverpool. Howe said there is “nothing to say Bruno won’t be back training with us”, but refused to offer guarantees. Guimaraes is due to return from holiday on Friday and fly out for a pre-season training camp in Spain.
Newcastle’s midfield has already been weakened by Sandro Tonali’s £100m move to Tottenham this month. The club has since signed 18-year-old Ajax midfielder Sean Steur for up to £23m and Monaco’s Aladji Bamba, though Bamba’s arrival was announced too late for the Gateshead friendly.
Steur, who played the full 90 minutes on Saturday, was described by Howe as “really good” in his first showing in Newcastle colours. Former Jong Ajax manager Willem Weijs rated him as “one of the highest-rated” academy players at Ajax.
For Arsenal, the pursuit of Guimaraes is part of a wider summer overhaul. The Gunners have already signed Greece forward Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for £34m, but missed out on Morgan Rogers, who joined Chelsea for £117m. Arsenal refused to match Chelsea’s offer, sticking to their £80m valuation.
Arsenal also hold a major interest in Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa and have enquired about his availability, while Como’s Jacobo Ramon is on their list – though clauses in his contract complicate a deal. Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez remains a dream target, but his desire to join Barcelona and a potential British record fee present obstacles.
Howe’s comments leave the door ajar for Arsenal – but Newcastle’s public stance suggests a repeat of the Isak saga may be on the cards.