Bruno Guimaraes is making a decision on Newcastle’s future as Arsenal prepare a second bid
Arsenal have identified Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes as one of their targets to strengthen their midfield this summer.
The Gunners made an initial approach to sign the Brazilian in late June, but an informal bid was rejected as Newcastle looked to interest both midfielders, with Sandro Tonali now sold to Tottenham.
“Arsenal are preparing to make a formal bid to Newcastle for Bruno Guimaraes after seeing a verbal offer from consultants for around £55m rejected. Newcastle are adamant they do not want to sell him, but contact with the club to another club is now expected.” – Ben Jacobs
Mikel Arteta’s side are widely known to be keen on bringing in a new midfielder this summer, having held talks to sign Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez and AFC Bournemouth star Alex Scott.
However, it remains to be seen whether the Blues are willing to strengthen the opposition, with Bournemouth unlikely to cash in on Scott this summer, instead trying to tie the England man down to a new long-term deal.
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Football FanCast verdict |
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Honesty |
The Gunners need to sign another quality midfielder this summer, with Martin Zubimendi playing a lesser role as the season progresses. In fact, the Spanish player was released from Myles Lewis-Skelly during the Premier League title race. |
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Finance |
Newcastle immediately returned the initial bid of £55m, suggesting it fell well short of its valuation. As such, a deal for the Brazilian star could be an expensive undertaking. |
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Understanding |
It is no surprise that the Magpies are looking to cash in on the midfielder, as he has been hailed as “world class” by Eddie Howe. Last season, he amassed nine goals and six assists in 29 Premier League outings, a strong return, as Newcastle struggled. |
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Impact |
Should Arsenal sign Guimaraes, the Fernandez deal may not be financially viable, given that he cost Chelsea £107m. The Newcastle star could be Declan Rice’s new partner in midfield, after Zubimendi did not start in the Champions League final and has been unused in Spain throughout the World Cup. |
Arsenal are set to make a new bid for Bruno Guimaraes
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Arsenal are now hotly chasing the Newcastle midfielder following the prospect of missing out on Scott, with a second bid already underway.
The Magpies are said to have ‘reduced’, having approved a number of big sales this summer, and the 28-year-old is now being tempted to leave as he is ‘eager’ to play in the biggest league.
Andrea Berta will need to raise the opening bid significantly, with Newcastle’s financial situation strengthened by the sale of Tonali.
How Bruno Guimaraes played for Brazil in the World Cup
Brazil suffered a shock exit from the World Cup against Norway, who won 2-1 thanks to Erling Haaland’s goal.
However, Guimaraes has performed well at his level, getting four assists in five games, and was trusted by Carlo Ancelotti to start every game.
Some important statistics of Bruno Guimaraes from the World Cup
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419 minutes played
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10 chances created
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165 successful passes
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2 big missed opportunities
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23 duels won
On the other hand, Zubimendi is yet to play one minute of football in Spain as the Arsenal star could not dismiss Dani Olmo, Rodri and Pedri in the first game.
Despite impressing going forward, Guimaraes averaged 2.3 per 90 in the Premier League last season, the second-highest in Newcastle’s squad, showing that he is an efficient midfielder, who could be a better fit for Zubimendi.
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