Bruno Guimarães has told Newcastle United he wants to leave, with Arsenal accelerating their interest in the Brazil midfielder who sees his wages potentially double in north London. The 28-year-old captain, who missed a penalty as Brazil exited the World Cup in the last 16 to Norway on Sunday, is pushing for a move to the Premier League champions just weeks after posting on Instagram that the Magpies’ season was “a very frustrating season, and without a doubt we are all very disappointed”.
Arsenal have yet to make direct contact with Newcastle, a fact that has caused “astonishment” at St James’ Park, according to reports. The Gunners had earlier been quoted a fee of around £60m during discussions with Guimarães’s representatives, but a bid in the region of £75m could force progress. Mikel Arteta’s side, who are defending their Premier League title, are also considering Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi as alternatives, but Guimarães is the primary target.
“Bruno Guimarães has asked to leave Newcastle, with Arsenal poised to bid for the Brazil midfielder.”
Newcastle, who finished 12th last season and failed to qualify for Europe, are determined not to lose their talisman but are acutely aware of his growing unrest after the departures of Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon. Tonali joined Tottenham for an initial £92.5m, a club-record fee that could rise to £100m, while Gordon moved to Barcelona for £69m. The loss of three key players in less than a year, following Alexander Isak’s transfer to Liverpool last summer, would be “beyond damaging”, according to the club’s reporter Ciaran Kelly.
To soften the blow, Newcastle have agreed a £51.5m deal with Freiburg for Switzerland midfielder Johan Manzambi, who has impressed at the World Cup but is struggling with a minor knee injury ahead of Sunday’s quarter-final against Argentina. The 20-year-old is expected to sign a long-term contract once Switzerland’s tournament ends. The club have also completed the £23m signing of 18-year-old midfielder Sean Steur from Ajax on a five-year deal.
Guimarães, who has three years left on his contract, could be offered a new deal to change the narrative. But with Arsenal yet to make a formal offer, the ball remains in Newcastle’s court – and the window is far from closed.