Newcastle United’s summer has already been hit by the exits of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali, leaving Bruno Guimaraes as the next-best player still in Tyneside and another likely transfer casualty.
The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope reported on Monday that Arsenal’s interest has now moved beyond simple whispers, with people in the captain’s camp already speaking to both sides trying to arrive at an agreement.
“Representatives acting on behalf of the club captain have spoken to Arsenal and, in turn, have spoken to Newcastle
with what is said to be a verbal offer,” Hope wrote.
Newcastle rejected Arsenal’s initial, verbal approach immediately and repeated that Bruno is not available.
“That was instantly dismissed and the message back was that Guimaraes is not for sale,” Hope wrote.
Still, Hope made clear that the talks have created unease and fears inside St. James’ Park because they may say something about Bruno’s own thinking.
“It is a concern for Howe and Wilson, though, that such conversations have taken place,” Hope wrote. “Why? It would suggest their most influential player is keen to explore his options.”
Newcastle is now prepared to offer Bruno a new deal on improved terms, but Hope reported that the ultimate decision to stay or go will depend on what Bruno wants following the World Cup. After Sunday’s game between Brazil and Norway, in which Bruno took a potential game-winning penalty kick from Vinicius Jr. only to miss him and see his nation crash out of the World Cup, Bruno should be able to enter the negotiations personally shortly.
“Newcastle, we can reveal, will talk about a new contract with the Brazilian, if that is what he wants,” Hope wrote.
The Sun previously reported Newcastle is willing to offer Bruno a club-record £40 million deal, roughly €47 million, while Arsenal could pay NUFC approximately £65 million for their midfielder, per Chronicle Live’s Lee Ryder.
