The uncertainty surrounding Bruno Guimaraes’ future has taken another twist, this time involving Newcastle United’s former ownership group, and surely for the uglier.
As Arsenal continues to cook a formal offer for the Brazil international and reports suggest that bid could arrive soon, a public disagreement has emerged over claims about how the transfer saga unfolded behind the scenes.
The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards reported on Monday that Arsenal had been encouraged to pursue Guimaraes after intermediaries
were told Newcastle would consider offers of around £50 million if the club failed to qualify for the Champions League. According to Edwards, that belief stemmed from a conversation Guimaraes’ representatives claimed to have had with former Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley.
However, Staveley’s husband and former Newcastle director Mehrdad Ghodoussi quickly rejected that account, calling out Edwards and labeling his reporting “Utter nonsense.”
Edwards later responded publicly, saying he had spoken with Staveley after the post, showing no proof of that conversation.
“I have spoken to Amanda this morning and she has agreed the story is not utter nonsense,” Edwards wrote. “They deny they ever made a promise to Bruno that he could leave. That denial is in the article but it does not change the fact that this is what Bruno’s reps have claimed took place.”
Edwards added that both Staveley and Ghodoussi deny any promise was ever made to Guimaraes regarding a future transfer, while maintaining that the alleged conversation with the player’s representatives formed part of the background to Arsenal’s interest.
The exchange comes as Arsenal continues evaluating whether to press ahead with a move for the 28-year-old.
Edwards also reiterated that the Gunners remain interested despite Newcastle’s valuation.
“Arsenal like him, Bruno likes them,” he wrote. “But there is a big difference between liking a player at £50m and wanting that same player at almost double the price.”
Meanwhile, Football365 reported that Arsenal is still expected to return with another offer after previous proposals worth approximately £55 million and £65 million were rejected.
