Newcastle are preparing to offer Bruno Guimaraes a lucrative new contract to ward off interest from Arsenal in signing the Brazilian during the summer transfer window, according to reports.
Arsenal emerged as contenders to sign Guimaraes this summer, five years after initially being linked with signing him when he was at Lyon.
He would eventually make the move to the Premier League in the 2022 January transfer window, but to St James' Park, not the Emirates Stadium. However, Arsenal are plotting a move to finally get their man this summer, with a £55million bid for the 28-year-old already rejected.
Initial bid for Guimaraes rejected
bruno guimaraes
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano said: "I can confirm the information going around England, reported by Craig Hope about Arsenal's interest in Bruno Guimaraes.
"It's true that Arsenal made an approach for Bruno Guimaraes. It was a direct approach on player side and club side with Newcastle, so Arsenal have reached out for Bruno Guimaraes. My understanding is that their intention was to try to approach for a deal around £55million, but Newcastle are not selling the player for that fee.
"Newcastle closed the doors to this approach from Arsenal. Now we will see if Arsenal return, if there is anything moving at the moment. Bruno Guimaraes is leaving everything in the hands of Newcastle, and he is respecting Newcastle."
Reports have suggested Arsenal are planning to return with an improved offer of £80million, but things are complicated by the interest from Tottenham and Manchester City in Sandro Tonali. The Magpies will not want to lose both midfielders this summer.
Newcastle are aiming to fend off the Gunners' interest by offering Guimaraes a new contract to stay at St James' Park.
New contract offer for Guimaraes
Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes celebrates vs Crystal Palacevia Reuters
According to the Sun, the Brazilian could be offered a new deal when he returns from international duty with Brazil at the World Cup in America, Canada and Mexico.
Guimaraes, described by Pep Guardiola as "exceptional", currently earns around £150,000-a-week, making him one of the highest paid players at St James' Park. Newcastle are planning to offer him around £200,000-a-week to get him to stay and add two more years on to his contract, which currently expires in 2028. That would see Guimaraes earn a whopping £40million.
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Arsenal have yet to complete a new signing so far in this summer's transfer window, but they are in talks over a couple of deals for Leicester youngster Jeremy Monga and Club Brugge forward Christos Tzolis.
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