Bruno Guimaraes’ transfer saga took another twist late Monday after conflicting reports emerged over whether Arsenal and Newcastle United have already reached an agreement for the midfielder.
While Newcastle officially rejected Arsenal’s opening bid earlier in the day, ESPN Brasil’s Bruno Andrade doubled down on previous reports that the transfer has effectively already been completed behind the scenes.
According to Andrade, Arsenal and Newcastle have already agreed the key financial framework of the deal,
with the delay of the official announcement only having to do with Newcastle’s timing for it rather than any issue with the negotiations.
“Bruno Guimaraes has been a done deal for Arsenal since the weekend,” Andrade said. “I know a lot of people are reporting different information, but I trust the people I’ve spoken to. The key part of the agreement – the £80m package – has already been agreed.”
The ESPN Brasil reporter also claimed the reaction inside Newcastle was prompted by news of the agreement becoming public, in an attempt to control the situation and dictate the tempo.
“What I heard earlier today is that Newcastle were furious that news of the agreement had leaked,” Andrade said. “They decided to drag things out a little, NOT over the money, because that part is completely settled.
“It’s much more about the timing of the announcement. The original plan was to do everything together, there simply wasn’t enough time to make that happen. Guimaraes is done, completely done. He is Arsenal’s new signing.”
Those claims contrast with reports from Sky Sports, the i Paper and Chronicle Live that Newcastle rejected Arsenal’s opening offer on Monday, with the Magpies still seeking a package worth more than £80 million.
However, Sky Sports’ Keith Downie confirmed Arsenal and Newcastle remain in direct talks, while talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs said he expects the move to be finalized quickly.
“Newcastle’s perspective is that they’ve rejected a formal offer below their valuation – Arsenal’s perspective is they’re finalising the deal,” Jacobs reported. “I sense this is going to get done & get agreed relatively quickly now.
“I fully expect Bruno Guimaraes to be an Arsenal player sooner rather than later,” Jacobs said. “I sense Newcastle also want quick clarity and that’s why my anticipation is that Arsenal are confident. I think the general package will be in and around £80m.”
Guimaraes reported to Newcastle’s preseason training camp in La Manga on Monday as planned following his extended World Cup break.
Newcastle has maintained the Brazilian complied with his agreed travel schedule, while multiple outlets report Arsenal is expected to return with an improved offer after its opening bid was rejected.
At the end of the day, considering Ryder last reported that “Arsenal placed a £75m bid for Bruno’s services,” it looks like the Chronicle Live pundit is just one step behind Andrade, and he will just report the already-done deal a few days after ESPN did last weekend, when he finally gets the final information from Newcastle about the definitive £80 million bid.
