Arsenal are not giving up on signing Bruno Guimarães this summer, despite Newcastle United being determined to keep their captain after already losing two of their biggest stars.
According to The Sun, the Gunners are negotiating through intermediaries and are expected to return with a package worth around £60m.
Newcastle have already rejected Arsenal’s initial approach and continue to insist that the 28-year-old Brazilian is not for sale in the current transfer window.
The situation has been complicated by Newcastle’s extensive changes to their squad. Anthony Gordon will join Barcelona in a deal worth around £70m, while the Guardian reports Sandro Tonali will join Tottenham in a move worth up to £100m.
Guimarães remains the main target in midfield
Arsenal’s interest in Guimarães is not new. The club have admired him for years prior to his move to Newcastle, and Mikel Arteta is keen to add another top-flight midfielder to support Declan Rice.
Guimarães will bring Premier League experience, aggression, leadership and technical quality.
He is a great fit for Arsenal’s midfield structure as he is able to control the tempo, win duels and advance the ball from deeper areas.
But Newcastle’s position is understandable. After losing Gordon and Tonali, selling Guimarães would mean three major departures in one summer.
That would be extremely unacceptable to supporters and would mean Eddie Howe would be forced into a major rebuild.
Arsenal must make an offer, but Newcastle can’t refuse
Arsenal are right to continue testing Newcastle’s resolve.
Guimarães is exactly the kind of midfielder who can immediately lift Arteta’s side up, especially in big games in the Premier League and Champions League.
But £60m may not be enough. Newcastle understand his value and are not under the same pressure to accept a lower offer after receiving huge transfer fees for Gordon and Tonali.
Arsenal should stay in the race, but they have to be smart. If Guimarães is really open to this move, the conversation could change.
If Newcastle are to maintain their form, Arsenal need to prepare alternatives rather than spending the whole summer chasing a deal that may never materialize.
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