Arsenal Targets Bruno Guimaraes Amid Newcastle's Firm Stance
Arsenal have nudged open the door for Bruno Guimaraes. Newcastle United have slammed it shut. For now.
The Premier League champions have seen an opening move for the Brazilian rebuffed, with multiple reports confirming an initial proposal in the region of £55m has been rejected. The message from St James’ Park is blunt: not at that price.
Yet the story is only just getting started.
Arsenal make their move for Guimaraes
Over the last 24 hours, Arsenal have accelerated a long-standing interest in Guimaraes, sensing an opportunity as Newcastle face a summer of difficult decisions after missing out on European football.
Journalist Ben Jacobs revealed that Mikel Arteta’s side first tested the waters with an “exploratory approach” to the player’s camp, mirroring a similar enquiry from Manchester United earlier in the window. At that stage, there was no formal contact with Newcastle and no indication the club wanted to sell.
That changed quickly.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has since confirmed that Arsenal followed up by going directly to Newcastle as well as Guimaraes’ representatives. The London club explored the framework of a deal at around £55m, only to be met with a firm refusal.
“Newcastle closed the doors to this approach from Arsenal,” Romano said, explaining that the proposed fee fell well short of what the Magpies would even consider. Guimaraes, for his part, is said to be leaving the situation in Newcastle’s hands and showing full respect to his current club.
The stance is clear. Newcastle do not want to lose their midfield lynchpin on the cheap, especially not to a domestic rival aiming to dominate the division they are trying to crack.
Arsenal, though, rarely walk away after one knockback.
Gunners expected to return with improved bid
Brazilian outlet GeGlobo reports that Arsenal’s £55m offer has been “rejected” but that the champions “will make a new bid” for the 26-year-old. No figures have yet emerged for a second attempt, but the intent is unmistakable: Arteta wants a new central midfielder of genuine authority, and Guimaraes sits at the top of that list.
Newcastle’s failure to qualify for Europe has naturally fuelled speculation around several of their stars, but the club have been adamant they will not be bullied into sales. Any serious bid for Guimaraes will have to reflect his status as one of the Premier League’s elite midfielders and a cornerstone of Eddie Howe’s project.
Arsenal know that. Their opening gambit felt like a probe, not a final offer. The next move will reveal how far they are prepared to push.
Jeremy Monga pursuit gathers pace
While the Guimaraes saga brews at the top end of the market, Arsenal are working another line altogether.
Leicester City youngster Jeremy Monga has emerged as a parallel target, and the Gunners have already seen an initial “cheeky” offer turned down. That has not discouraged them.
According to Football Insider, Arsenal are “confident of finalising a deal” for the highly rated starlet this summer. Talks between the clubs are ongoing as both sides look to strike an agreement and avoid the uncertainty of a tribunal. Crucially for Arsenal, Monga is understood to be keen on the move to the Premier League champions, a factor that tilts negotiations in their favour.
It paints a clear picture of Arsenal’s summer plan. One eye on a blockbuster move for a proven Premier League midfielder in Guimaraes. The other on securing one of the country’s most promising young talents in Monga.
The first offer for Newcastle’s Brazilian has been swatted away. The next one will say everything about how badly Arsenal want to reshape the heart of their midfield – and how determined Newcastle are to hold their ground.
