Bruno Guimaraes has communicated to Newcastle United his desire to depart St James’ Park and join Arsenal.
Reports in June indicated that Arsenal had made a verbal offer, which was not accepted by Newcastle. At that time, Newcastle maintained they would not consider bids for Guimaraes. Currently, there has been no direct contact between the clubs regarding a transfer, and Newcastle continues to hold its position that he is not for sale.
Guimaraes signed a five-year contract extension in October 2023. This agreement included a temporary release clause, which expired in June 2024 without being activated. Despite this, Newcastle is keen to retain him and views him as not available for transfer.
Guimaraes’ motivations and club stance
Guimaraes has not formally submitted a transfer request. However, he has directly informed Newcastle that he would like to pursue an opportunity with Arsenal if an acceptable offer is made. His reasons are primarily football-related, rather than financial, as he is currently Newcastle‘s highest earner with strong wages.
The midfielder, who will turn 29 later this year, is focused on winning titles. He reportedly believes this may not happen at Newcastle in the near future and wishes to have the chance to join Arsenal. He also wants to ensure that Newcastle receives a substantial fee should he leave.
According to one report, a fee around a certain figure would prompt Newcastle to consider an offer. However, Arsenal has yet to make any contact with Newcastle regarding his availability. Newcastle has expressed surprise at discussions of his departure given the lack of direct communication from Arsenal, suggesting that agents have been driving these conversations.
Until a concrete offer is presented, Newcastle feels there is no decision to be made. They are determined to keep Guimaraes, considering him a crucial player.
Newcastle has already seen changes this summer, with Anthony Gordon moving to Barcelona and Sandro Tonali joining Tottenham Hotspur. The club’s transfer strategy involves a significant restructure, with expectations of multiple changes to the squad.
Guimaraes has been a key figure for Newcastle since his arrival from Lyon in January 2022. He has made a significant number of Premier League appearances, contributing goals and assists. He was also part of the team that secured the Carabao Cup in 2025.
Transfer policy and potential new signings
Newcastle‘s current transfer policy focuses on acquiring players between certain age ranges and within specific price parameters. While they are willing to slightly exceed these guidelines for particular targets, they are not expected to make very high-value signings.
This approach aims to bring in younger players with high potential, who Eddie Howe can develop. The club’s model is compared to that of Borussia Dortmund, focusing on developing young talent and potentially moving them on in the future, while still competing for honours.
The club anticipates making several more signings. They are looking for another midfielder, potentially in case Guimaraes departs. A new number one goalkeeper is also a target, with a long-standing interest in James Trafford. Additionally, Newcastle is seeking a full-back who can play on either side, preferably left-back.
There is also consideration for another winger if Jacob Murphy were to leave, and potentially a striker if either Nick Woltemade or Yoane Wissa were to depart. If these players remain, the team would proceed with its current three strikers for the upcoming season.
Regarding potential departures, Nick Pope is expected to leave, though interest from one club has subsided. There is also a possibility of Murphy and Joe Willock moving on. While no offers are currently on the table for these players, Newcastle would consider shifting them to facilitate a squad revamp. If these players were to leave, replacements would be needed.
Eddie Howe is reportedly aligned with this new transfer model, working closely with sporting director Ross Wilson and chief executive David Hopkinson. The club aims to avoid a repeat of previous transfer windows and wants to complete business earlier. The absence of European football next season is seen as an advantage, allowing for more training time and potentially helping new players integrate more effectively.
Guimaraes was part of Carlo Ancelotti‘s Brazil squad at this summer’s World Cup, starting every match before their elimination by Norway in the last-16, and providing four assists.
The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) remains committed to Newcastle.
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Source: skysports.com
Lucy Ashby is a Sports Reporter at NewsGB. She reported on the county circuit and Team GB. She focuses on tennis, cricket and athletics and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from Durham University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Durham, she plays club cricket and follows distance running. “The best sport reporting starts by listening.”
