Newcastle United’s attempt to keep Bruno Guimaraes is becoming more complicated by the day, with Arsenal expected to make a formal move and fresh reporting claiming the player’s side is already aligned with the Premier League champion.
According to The Mirror, Arsenal has agreed personal terms with Bruno Guimaraes, with the Brazil international pushing for a move to north London after the World Cup.
“Bruno Guimaraes has reportedly agreed to a five-year deal with Arsenal as the Gunners now look to agree on
a fee for the wantaway Newcastle star,“ The Mirror reported on Friday.
According to The Athletic’s Chris Waugh and George Caulkin, however, Arsenal has not made direct contact with Newcastle and that has created some irritation inside St. James’ Park.
“There has been no direct contact or official approach to Newcastle, only some form of communication via intermediaries,” The Athletic reported.
That has left Newcastle unsure how far Arsenal is truly willing to go, especially with the club dismissing the idea of selling Bruno for around £60 million, roughly €70 million.
The Athletic reported that Newcastle would expect a fee closer to the Sandro Tonali range after selling the Italian to Tottenham for up to £100 million, roughly €117 million.
“If Tonali could command around £100m, then the expectation is a similar ballpark figure would be required to land Guimaraes,” The Athletic reported.
Football insider Ben Jacobs already reported on Thursday that Bruno had verbally agreed on personal terms with Arsenal, which would remove one major obstacle if the clubs ever enter formal negotiations.
“Bruno Guimaraes has already verbally agreed terms with Arsenal,” Jacobs posted on X. “Newcastle still insist their captain is not for sale and deny any direct negotiations yet, but Arsenal are expected to place a formal bid.”
Newcastle still insists its captain is not for sale, but The Athletic made clear that Bruno’s exit would create a far larger problem than the planned sales of Gordon and Tonali.
“Guimaraes leaving has not featured in Newcastle’s preparations for the transfer window and they have no desire for it to happen,” The Athletic reported.
For now, Newcastle is holding firm, but Arsenal’s expected formal bid approach, along with Bruno’s interest and agreement to terms with the Gooners, are already pointing to where this saga will end sooner rather than later.
