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Newcastle are frustrated with Arsenal’s pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes and will only consider selling him for upwards of £80million. Sky Sports News‘ North East reporter Keith Downey.
The Brazil international has been told by his club that he wants to join Arsenal this summer But Downey says that, contrary to recent reports, the Gunners have yet to make direct contact with Newcastle.
Arsenal have instead explored the terms of a deal through mediators, an approach that has frustrated Newcastle as they try to determine whether their interest is genuine.
Downey expects the saga to continue but insists Newcastle are determined to keep their captain and pay him in excess of £80m, just £20m less than his former team-mate Sandro Tonali, who they sold to Spurs for £100m earlier this month.
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Check out Bruno Guimaraes’ best goals for Newcastle in the Premier League
“The stories about Bruno Guimaraes won’t go away,” Downey said Sky Sports News.
“The main reason is that he has told Newcastle he wants to move away from the club and Arsenal in particular.
“He’s ambitious. He wants to win trophies. He doesn’t want to end his career just winning the Carabao Cup and possibly another cup with Newcastle.
“Newcastle are not going to win the Premier League. They want to win the title. They want a chance to do that. But Arsenal have to come to the table and show Newcastle their money’s worth.
“There have been various reports that Arsenal have made a bid for Newcastle through an intermediary or intermediaries. But as we sit here this morning, Arsenal have not contacted Newcastle.
“I understand Newcastle actually approached Arsenal and said, ‘Look, are you serious about this? Are you trying to sign this player because we haven’t got anything from you?’
“It’s all playing out with the agents and I think it’s frustrating for Newcastle because without a doubt it’s unsettled the player, hence why he’s said he wants to explore his options elsewhere.”
Newcastle cost £80m by selling Sandro Tonali for £100m
Newcastle sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £69.3m before Tonali’s £100m sale to Spurs, amid a busy summer. The club spent a combined £83.5m on Bazumana Toure, Sean Steuer and Ewen Zawen.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are yet to complete any major deals. Morgan Rodgers, one of their targets, sensationally joined Chelsea from Aston Villa, while their interest in Guimarães is yet to be formalised, with Newcastle determined to secure a big return on a player signed for £40m in 2022.
“It looks like it’s going to roar,” Downey added.
“What will be the tipping point for Newcastle? I think it has to start with an eight. He’s going to be 29 soon. They got £100m for Sandro Tonali but Bruno is three years older, so his value is a bit lower.
“Newcastle are desperate not to sell him. They’ve said he’s not for sale. But once a player is excited to go, it’s really hard to keep him.
“But Arsenal have to come to the table and make an offer, and only then will Newcastle take their interest seriously, once they make a concrete offer, not through a middle-man.”
Guimaraes, who turned out for Brazil at the World Cup, made 195 appearances for Newcastle in all competitions and scored 31 goals.
Why ‘complete’ Guimaraes appeals to Arsenal
Leadership, experience, a history of consistency and a complete midfield profile make Guimaraes an attractive target for Arsenal, writes Sky Sports’ Nick Wright, the Premier League champions will be aiming to build on last season’s success into dominance.
