Arsenal are reportedly preparing an initial offer for Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes. Despite this, Guimaraes is not expected to force a move away from St James’ Park, even though reports suggest he has informed Newcastle of his desire to leave this summer.
Newcastle has maintained a firm stance, indicating that any approach from Arsenal for the Brazilian midfielder would not be welcomed or accepted. Sources close to the situation have clarified that Newcastle has no intention of negotiating at Arsenal’s proposed valuation for the player.
Valuation Discrepancies
Arsenal is understood to believe a deal for Guimaraes could be finalised for approximately £80 million and is reportedly ready to submit a bid around £70 million. However, Newcastle’s valuation of Guimaraes is significantly higher.
Earlier this summer, Newcastle established a £100 million benchmark for Sandro Tonali. The club reportedly views Guimaraes as an even more valuable player and would expect a fee in that region if they were to consider a sale.
Despite the differing valuations, Arsenal remains the club most actively pursuing Guimaraes. His representatives are reportedly prioritising a move to the Emirates Stadium should Newcastle alter their position.
Interest from Other Clubs
Mikel Arteta reportedly sees the 28-year-old midfielder as an ideal addition to his squad, with Andrea Berta continuing to work on the deal behind the scenes. Berta believes Guimaraes could significantly enhance Arsenal’s midfield as they aim for another title challenge.
Arsenal is not the only club monitoring the situation. Chelsea is also reportedly keeping a close watch on developments, particularly if Newcastle’s stance on a transfer changes. Additionally, Manchester City, who have long admired Guimaraes, have been kept informed, though their primary midfield investments this summer have been elsewhere.
Player’s Stance and Pre-season Plans
Those close to Guimaraes have stated that he does not intend to force an exit from Newcastle. Unlike previous situations involving other players, Guimaraes is not planning to refuse to report for training or employ disruptive tactics to secure a move.
Newcastle shares this belief and is confident that the midfielder will return for pre-season as scheduled. The squad is due to travel to La Manga for part of their preparations, and the club expects the Brazil international to join his teammates.
As Arsenal prepares its formal offer, a significant challenge remains in securing Guimaraes unless Newcastle dramatically changes its valuation. Guimaraes is valued at £80 million, according to one report.
Other transfer news includes reports that Manchester United has no plans to pursue Danny Welbeck, while Nottingham Forest is targeting Liam Delap. Oliver Glasner is reportedly seeking four new signings for Nottingham Forest. Juventus, Roma, and Como are among the Serie A clubs interested in Joshua Zirkzee.
In other developments, Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips is reportedly close to another loan move to Sheffield United after being excluded from the 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 the EFL, former Blackpool and Watford midfielder Tom Ince has joined Tranmere Rovers. In Scotland, Rangers have held talks to sign Coventry winger Jahnoah Markelo, and former Rangers loanee Andreas Skov Olsen is set to join Turkish club Basaksehir. Alexander Schwolow has revealed his desire to leave Hearts to return to Germany. Real Oviedo sporting director David Fernandez has 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, a player Celtic had hoped to re-sign after his loan spell last season. Real Betis is reportedly preparing a move for Rangers midfielder Nico Raskin.
Reports also indicate that Lisandro Martinez and Alexis Mac Allister hired private security at their homes due to safety concerns following England’s 2-1 defeat in the World Cup semi-final to Argentina.
Source: skysports.com
