Arsenal hesitate over Bruno Guimarães
The Brazilian midfielder, who told Newcastle he wanted to sign for the Gunners, would cost more than initially reported.
When everything pointed to Bruno Guimarães becoming Newcastle United’s third major departure of the summer, following Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali, the Brazilian midfielder’s dream move to Arsenal has hit a significant obstacle. According to The Telegraph, “Arsenal is weighing whether to proceed with its attempt to sign Bruno Guimarães after initially being led to believe his transfer might cost just £50 million.” The reality, however, is that Newcastle values its captain far higher than that initial figure of €58 million ($68 million).
Shortly after Brazil’s elimination from the World Cup, a match in which Guimarães missed a penalty, the 28-year-old midfielder informed Newcastle’s hierarchy that he wanted to leave St. James’ Park and join Mikel Arteta’s side in north London.
Although Newcastle has been willing to negotiate with Arsenal, provided there is direct contact between the clubs, the rejection of bids worth £55 million (€64 million/$75 million) and £65 million (€76 million/$89 million) made it clear the Magpies would not let their captain leave cheaply.
Arsenal’s biggest problem is that, unsurprisingly, Newcastle is demanding a fee similar to the one it sought for Alexander Isak last summer. In other words, almost double the widely reported €58 million ($68 million) valuation. The Telegraph adds that “Bruno Guimarães’s representatives believe that such a favorable price had been suggested in negotiations with former co-owner Amanda Staveley, but Newcastle is unwilling to drop below the £100 million valuation it places on the player.” That equates to approximately €117 million ($137 million).
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Guimarães joined Newcastle from Lyon in 2022 for €42 million ($49 million) and, according to Fabrizio Romano, “is not going to cause problems, leaving the decision in the hands of the club.” Newcastle’s faith in him has helped establish him as one of Europe’s elite midfielders.
However, with interest from both Arsenal and Manchester City, and Newcastle set to miss out on European football in the 2026-27 season, all sides appear likely to continue talks. Arteta remains determined to sign the Brazil international, but Arsenal will have to pay a premium if they are to secure one of the Premier League’s top midfielders.