Newcastle manager Eddie Howe admitted Bruno Guimaraes may leave St. James’ Park this summer as Arsenal prepare a £70 million-plus bid for the Brazilian midfielder.
Bruno Guimaraes has been heavily linked with Arsenal in recent weeks, with reports suggesting the Premier League champions are preparing an offer worth more than £70 million after holding positive discussions over personal terms. While Newcastle United remain determined to keep hold of their captain, Howe acknowledged that the final decision may not be in his hands.
Howe has maintained regular contact with Guimaraes throughout the summer, describing those conversations, held before, during and after the FIFA World Cup, as positive. However, he admitted he could not predict what would happen next, noting that discussions regarding the midfielder’s future do not involve him. Howe also stressed that everyone at the club would love Guimaraes to remain on Tyneside because of his importance both on and off the pitch.
“I’ve spoken to Bruno before, during and after the World Cup,” he said. “We have had some really good conversations. He’s just a fantastic person. I don’t know what’s going to happen with his future, that’s for other people to speculate about. There’s conversations I’m not part of. I don’t think it’s fair to compare (to Isak last summer). You’ve got to look at it in its own right.
“He’s captain of our club and been an unbelievable player, through the whole time we have worked together. I speak on behalf of everyone at the club, we absolutely love him and of course everyone would love him to stay. He’s due back in the 31st, and there’s nothing to say he won’t be back.”
Those comments are unlikely to quieten speculation surrounding Arsenal’s interest. Mikel Arteta is believed to view Guimaraes as one of his priority midfield targets, with the Gunners keen to strengthen a squad that successfully captured the Premier League title last season. Reports indicate Arsenal are considering a formal bid, although negotiations have yet to reach an advanced stage.
Newcastle’s stance has remained consistent throughout the transfer window. The Magpies are reluctant to sanction another departure after Anthony Gordon’s move to Barcelona and Sandro Tonali’s transfer to Tottenham Hotspur. Losing Guimaraes as well would represent another significant setback for Howe as he attempts to rebuild following a disappointing domestic campaign.
Can Newcastle United keep Guimaraes?
The South American midfielder, signed from Lyon in a £35 million deal in January 2022, is one of Newcastle’s most valuable assets. His technical quality and leadership earned him the captain’s armband and marked him as a cornerstone of the club’s midfield.
The player is still on his post-World Cup break and is expected to report back for pre-season later this week. Until then, uncertainty is likely to persist regarding his future, particularly as Arsenal continues to monitor the situation closely. With Arsenal expected to lodge a formal bid before the deadline, a decision on Guimaraes’s future is likely within days.