Arsenal have identified Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes as a top target to reinforce their midfield this summer.
The Gunners made an initial approach to sign the Brazilian near the end of June, but an informal offer was turned down as Newcastle navigated interest in both of their star midfielders, with Sandro Tonali now sold to Tottenham.
“Arsenal prepared to make a formal bid to Newcastle for Bruno Guimaraes after seeing a verbal offer via intermediaries of around £55m turned down. Newcastle insist they don’t wish to sell, but direct club-to-club contact is now anticipated.” – Ben Jacobs
Mikel Arteta’s side are well-known to be keen on bringing in a new midfielder this summer, having also 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 a rival, whereas Bournemouth are unlikely to cash in on Scott this summer, instead trying to tie the Englishman down to a new long-term contract.
Football FanCast’s Verdict | |
|---|---|
Credibility | The Gunners definitely need to sign another top-level midfielder this summer, given that Martin Zubimendi started to play a lesser role as the season wore on. In fact, the Spain international was dropped for Myles Lewis-Skelly during the Premier League title run-in. |
Finances | Newcastle knocked back the initial £55m bid immediately, which suggests it was way short of their valuation. As such, a deal for the Brazil star could be a costly operation. |
Insight | It is no surprise the Magpies are reluctant to cash in on the midfielder, as he has been lauded as “world-class” by Eddie Howe. Last season, he amassed nine goals and six assists in 29 Premier League outings, a solid return, given that Newcastle struggled. |
Impact | Should Arsenal sign Guimaraes, a deal for Fernandez may not be financially viable, considering he cost Chelsea £107m. The Newcastle star could be Declan Rice’s new partner in midfield, after Zubimendi didn’t start in the Champions League final and has remained unused for Spain throughout the World Cup. |
Arsenal set to make new bid for Bruno Guimaraes
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Arsenal are now aggressively pursuing the Newcastle midfielder following the likelihood they will miss out on Scott, and a second bid is now in the works.
The Magpies are said to have ‘capitulated’, having sanctioned a number of major sales already this summer, and the 28-year-old is now tempted to leave as he ‘craves’ playing on the biggest stage.
Andrea Berta will need to make a significant increase on the opening bid however, with Newcastle’s financial position strengthened by the sale of Tonali.
How Bruno Guimaraes performed for Brazil at the World Cup
Brazil suffered a shock round of 16 exit from the World Cup at the hands of Norway, who prevailed in a 2-1 victory courtesy of an Erling Haaland brace.
However, Guimaraes still managed to impress on a personal level, picking up four assists in five matches, and he was trusted by Carlo Ancelotti to start every single game.
Bruno Guimaraes’ other key World Cup stats
- 419 minutes played
- 10 chances created
- 165 successful passes
- 2 big chances missed
- 23 duels won
Zubimendi, on the other hand, is yet to play a single minute of football for Spain, with the Arsenal star unable to dislodge Dani Olmo, Rodri and Pedri in the starting XI.
Aside from impressing going forward, Guimaraes averaged 2.3 tackles per 90 in the Premier League last season, the second-highest number in the Newcastle squad, indicating he is a well-rounded midfielder, who could be an upgrade on Zubimendi.
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