Arsenal interested in Bruno Guimaraes, but Newcastle stand firm on asking price
Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, with a potential offer of £70m being considered. However, Guimaraes is not expected to force a move away from St James’ Park, as the two clubs navigate discussions regarding the Brazilian international.
Newcastle values Guimaraes at £80m. Despite the interest from Arsenal, Guimaraes has not indicated a desire to push for a transfer. Reports suggest that Newcastle is keen to retain the midfielder, who has been a key player for the club.
Guimaraes’ future at Newcastle
Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe has held positive discussions with Guimaraes but has not offered any guarantees regarding his future at the club. Howe stated that conversations with the player remain private, but he described Guimaraes as a ‘great player, a great person.’
Howe also mentioned that he is not involved in speculation about Guimaraes’ future, noting that such discussions are for others. Guimaraes recently returned from holiday following Brazil‘s exit from the World Cup and is scheduled to join the squad for a pre-season training camp in Spain.
Howe expressed confidence that Guimaraes would return to training with the team, stating, “There’s nothing to say Bruno won’t be back training with us.” He highlighted Guimaraes’ role as captain and his significant contributions since joining Newcastle, adding that everyone at the club wants him to stay.
Midfield developments at Newcastle
Newcastle’s midfield has seen some changes, including the departure of Sandro Tonali, who transferred to Tottenham in a deal. In response, Newcastle has brought in young midfielders Sean Steur from Ajax and Aladji Bamba from Monaco.
Steur played 90 minutes in a pre-season friendly against Gateshead, with Howe praising his performance. Willem Weijs, who coached Steur at Jong Ajax, described him as a highly-rated player in their academy, noting his technical ability and vision. Weijs also indicated areas for development, particularly in the defensive aspect of his game.
Newcastle’s transfer strategy this summer has focused on acquiring young players from continental clubs. This approach includes newcomers Ewen Jaouen and Bazoumana Toure, alongside Steur and Bamba. Howe emphasised the need for patience and support for these new signings as they adapt to the demands of the Premier League.
The club’s desire to retain Guimaraes is underscored by recent player movements, including the departures of Alexander Isak, Tonali, and Anthony Gordon over the past year. Guimaraes’ presence is seen as crucial for the team’s stability and development.
Other transfer news includes Liam Delap as a target for Nottingham Forest, and Joshua Zirkzee continuing to attract interest from Serie A clubs such as Juventus, Roma, and Como. Manchester United reportedly has no plans to pursue Danny Welbeck, while Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips is reportedly nearing another loan move to Sheffield United.
Brentford is considering a move for Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr. In Scotland, Rangers have held talks to sign Coventry winger Jahnoah Markelo, and Real Betis is reportedly preparing an offer for Rangers midfielder Nico Raskin.
Real Oviedo sporting director David Fernandez stated his club is in a strong position regarding the sale of their World Cup stars, amidst Celtic‘s interest in Haissem Hassan. Boca Juniors has reportedly received an offer from the MLS for Marcelo Saracchi, who Celtic had hoped to re-sign after his loan spell.
Former Blackpool and Watford midfielder Tom Ince has joined Tranmere Rovers. Additionally, Lisandro Martinez and Alexis Mac Allister reportedly hired private security at their homes following England‘s defeat to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final.
Source: skysports.com