Newcastle United’s attempt to keep Bruno Guimaraes in tow has taken another turn, with a new Arsenal-based report claiming the transfer saga remains in its early stages despite weeks of speculation surrounding the Magpies captain’s future.
The latest update, coming from Arsenal insider HandOfArsenal, suggests that formal negotiations between the clubs have yet to begin. That, however, hasn’t stopped Arsenal from continuing to work behind the scenes to try to reach a personal agreement with the Brazil
international after he reportedly informed Newcastle he wants to leave for the Premier League champions.
According to HandOfArsenal, there has only been one direct contact between the clubs so far.
“My understanding is club-to-club talks have NOT taken place except a phone call from Newcastle asking Arsenal about their stance, which didn’t clarify anything between the parties,” the insider wrote.
The report claims Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is continuing to work through intermediary Kia Joorabchian rather than entering formal negotiations directly with Newcastle.
“Berta is still wanting Kia to handle all the negotiations until / if a fair valuation can be reached between BOTH parties,” the insider added.
The report also claims Newcastle are now targeting a fee between €93 million and €99 million (£80 million to £85 million) as a minimum for Guimaraes, rather than the roughly €116 million (£100 million) figure previously reported.
According to the same report, Arsenal remain encouraged by Bruno’s stance on his preferred exit throughout the process, with the Gunners just patiently waiting for the player and his agent to sort it all out before just submitting a bid and snatching the captain from Newcastle’s paws, as ridiculous as that sounds.
“Bruno is fully sold on the project and is awaiting his agents and Kia to handle the situation respectfully,” the insider wrote.
These claims, obviously and given from where they come, differ massively from other recent reports from reputable sources and outlets regarding Newcastle’s asking price and the status of talks.
That said, they clearly continue the theme that Arsenal remain interested while the clubs are still some distance apart over valuation, and the amount of smoke is starting to become too big not to think something is slowly burning between SJP and London.
