Newcastle: Bruno Guimaraes not forcing Arsenal move as club stands firm on valuation
Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, with a potential offer of £70m mentioned. However, Guimaraes is not expected to force a move away from St James’ Park, as the two clubs aim to reach an agreement for the Brazilian international, who is valued at £80m.
Eddie Howe, Newcastle United head coach, has held discussions with Guimaraes, but he has not offered any guarantees regarding the midfielder’s future. Howe stated that the specifics of their conversations remain private, but he described Guimaraes as a “great player” and a “great person.”
Howe expressed his uncertainty about Guimaraes’ future, indicating that speculation is for others to engage in, as he is not part of those discussions. He also highlighted the club’s strong desire for Guimaraes to remain, noting that everyone at Newcastle “absolutely love him” and want him to stay.
Guimaraes recently returned from holiday after Brazil’s exit from the World Cup. He is scheduled to rejoin Newcastle and travel with the squad for a pre-season training camp in Spain. Howe dismissed comparisons to Liverpool’s previous pursuit of Alexander Isak, stating there is “nothing to say Bruno won’t be back training with us.”
Midfield Changes at Newcastle
Newcastle’s midfield has seen some changes, including the departure of Sandro Tonali, who transferred to Tottenham in a deal reported to be worth up to £100m. To address this, Newcastle has brought in young midfielders Sean Steur from Ajax and Aladji Bamba from Monaco.
Sean Steur, an 18-year-old academy graduate from Ajax, joined Newcastle for a fee reported to be up to £23m. He played 90 minutes in a pre-season friendly against Gateshead, with Howe praising his performance. Willem Weijs, who managed Steur at Jong Ajax, described him as one of their “highest-rated” academy players, noting his technical ability, composure, and vision.
Weijs highlighted Steur’s strengths in creating options in possession, scanning, and comfort on the ball in tight spaces. However, he also mentioned areas for development, particularly in the defensive aspect and competing in duels, suggesting more time in the gym would be beneficial for adapting to the physicality of the Premier League.
Newcastle’s transfer strategy this summer has focused on acquiring players aged 20 and under from continental clubs. Along with Steur and Bamba, other newcomers include Ewen Jaouen and Bazoumana Toure. Howe emphasised the need for patience and support for these new players, aiming to alleviate pressure and allow them to develop.
The club’s desire to retain Guimaraes is underscored by the recent departures of key players like Isak, Tonali, and Anthony Gordon over the past year. Guimaraes holds the captaincy for Newcastle United and has been an integral player since joining the club.
Other Transfer Market Activity
Elsewhere in the transfer market, Nottingham Forest is reportedly targeting Liam Delap, a year after he joined Chelsea. Oliver Glasner, Nottingham Forest’s manager, is looking to make at least four new signings. Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee continues to attract interest from Serie A clubs, including Juventus, Roma, and Como.
Manchester United reportedly has no plans to pursue Danny Welbeck, a former striker and current Chelsea target. Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips is reportedly close to another loan move to Sheffield United after being excluded from his club’s pre-season tour of Asia. Brentford is considering a move for Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr.
A reported move for Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal is not thought to be close. In Scotland, Rangers have held talks to sign Coventry winger Jahnoah Markelo, while former Rangers loanee Andreas Skov Olsen is set to join Turkish club Basaksehir. Real Betis are reportedly preparing a move for Rangers midfielder Nico Raskin.
Former Blackpool and Watford midfielder Tom Ince has joined Tranmere Rovers. Alexander Schwolow revealed his desire to leave Hearts to return to Germany. 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 have reportedly received an offer from the MLS for Marcelo Saracchi, whom Celtic had hoped to re-sign after his loan spell last season.
Source: skysports.com
Nathan Crowley is the Sports News Writer at NewsUK, covering rugby union, golf and boxing with six years of reporting experience. He moved from regional newspapers into digital sport. He holds a degree in Journalism from Cardiff University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Cardiff, he plays amateur rugby and follows the Six Nations closely. “Speed and accuracy are not a trade-off in sport news.”
