Arsenal’s pursuit of Bruno Guimarães has taken an unexpected turn. The Newcastle midfielder has reportedly made it clear that he wants to leave the club this summer – but now negotiations have come to a complete standstill.
Earlier in July, it was reported that Guimarães had asked to leave Newcastle after four seasons at the club. Sandro Tonali has already left for Tottenham in a deal worth £92.5m, and his compatriot was expected to follow out of the gates at St. James’ Park.
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On July 8, BBC Sport reported that Newcastle demanded around £60 million for the midfield star. At the same time, The Telegraph claimed that Arsenal had been led to believe that they could land the Brazilian for £50 million.
According to the newspaper, Arsenal registered their interest after intermediaries made them aware that Guimarães was available at that price. But that does not seem to be true – and the negotiations have now hit a wall.
Staveley promise that no longer applies
The Telegraph writes that Newcastle’s former co-owner Amanda Staveley is said to have informed Guimarães’ representatives that the club would listen to bids of £50 million if Newcastle did not qualify for the Champions League. They didn’t do that last season.
But Staveley left his role as club director as early as July 2024. Since then, a lot has changed.
It is reported that Guimarães has no buyout clause in his contract, which runs until 2028. This means that Arsenal will probably have to fork out far more than the 50 million they had envisioned.
Newcastle demand 100 million – Arsenal refuse
The talks have stalled in recent days. Arsenal are not willing to discuss a sum higher than £60 million, while Newcastle are not interested in bonus payments or add-on clauses – they want the full amount upfront.
In talks between intermediaries, Newcastle have made it crystal clear that they want around £100 million to release Guimarães.
According to The Telegraph, Guimarães’ representatives have tried to pressure Newcastle to sell their most important player. They have argued that the club should allow a player in his prime to go to a Champions League club that is fighting for the Premier League title.
“They claim that their client has given everything for Newcastle, but that the time has come to move on,” the newspaper writes.
Guimarães understands Newcastle – but wants to leave
Newcastle, however, see the matter differently. Guimarães is not just a player – he is the captain and the team’s most important piece. The club has already sold Alexander Isak, Tonali and Anthony Gordon in the past year. Losing Guimarães as well would be a huge blow.
Although Guimarães wants the transfer and has told Newcastle that he will explore a move to the Premier League champions, he also understands the club’s desire to keep him.
He will only push for a sale if Arsenal make a bid that comes close to Newcastle’s valuation.
As of now, the parties are far apart – and this summer’s big transfer drama is far from over.
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