Newcastle brand Bruno Guimaraes ‘priceless’ as Arsenal circle for title defence

Newcastle United have rebuffed a verbal approach from Arsenal for Bruno Guimaraes, with the Magpies insisting their captain is “priceless” as they prepare their Premier League title defence squad plans. According to Mail Online, Guimaraes’ representatives have held talks with both clubs, but Newcastle have made clear the Brazilian midfielder is not for sale.

Eddie Howe is determined to keep hold of his star performer and Newcastle are now preparing a new contract offer to ward off any further interest. Despite that stance, the report suggests there is some unease at St James’ Park that Guimaraes’ camp has been willing to engage in discussions with suitors.

Newcastle lining up contingency options

Newcastle are not taking any chances, having already lost Sandro Tonali to Tottenham this summer in a £100million move. As a result, the Magpies have reportedly held conversations over Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha, a player also on Manchester United’s radar.

The Bundesliga club have set an asking price in excess of £100million for the German midfielder, who spent 14 years in Manchester City’s academy. Nmecha is said to have an admirer in Manchester United director of football Jason Wilcox from his time working within City’s youth setup.

Monaco’s Lamine Camara had also been considered by Newcastle, though that move now appears unlikely to materialise. The Magpies are expected to have significant spending power this summer following the sales of Tonali and Anthony Gordon.

Arsenal’s long pursuit of Guimaraes

Arsenal have a history with Guimaraes, having missed out on signing him twice before he eventually joined Newcastle in January 2022. The Gunners were beaten to his signature by Lyon two years prior to that move, before Newcastle acted decisively to land him for around £40million.

That swift decision-making was said to have been appreciated by the player’s camp at the time. “Newcastle arrived and they got serious. Bruno couldn’t wait another six months to decide his future in a World Cup year,” said the source, as quoted by Mail Online.

Since arriving on Tyneside, Guimaraes has made 195 appearances for Newcastle and was a key figure as the club won the Carabao Cup, their first major domestic trophy in 70 years. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and popular figures at St James’ Park.

Arsenal eyeing other attacking targets

With Newcastle standing firm over Guimaraes, Arsenal are looking elsewhere to strengthen their squad, with improving the left side of their attack seen as a priority. Mikel Arteta’s side have been strongly linked with Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers and Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola.

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