Arsenal may be able to land Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes for a relatively cut-price this summer, according to journalist Lee Ryder.
Guimaraes caught the eye once again for Newcastle last season, scoring nine goals and providing seven assists in 41 appearances across all competitions. This impressive campaign has prompted the Gunners to explore the possibility of signing the Brazilian, with some reports suggesting a market opportunity could be on the cards due to the player's contractual situation and the Magpies' failure to qualify for the Champions League.
Newcastle are said to be fearful of losing Guimaraes, whose agent met with super agent Kia Joorabchian recently, possibly to discuss a blockbuster move.
Clarity on the potential fee Arsenal would need to stump up for the 28-year-old has now been provided in an intriguing transfer update.
Arsenal Could Sign Guimaraes for Just £65m
Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes celebrates vs Crystal Palacevia Reuters
Arsenal are in the market for a new central midfielder after Martin Zubimendi struggled in the back half of last season, while Myles Lewis-Skelly's stint in the middle of the park wasn't quite long enough to bank on.
While Alex Scott and Ayyoub Bouaddi have been heavily linked, Guimaraes has emerged as the most likely candidate in recent days.
Newcastle correspondent Lee Ryder told Arsenal journalist Tom Canton that an offer of £65 million could get a deal for the former Lyon man in motion.
"We are told that £65m could be the tipping point… it could be some type of verbal agreement between Bruno and his people," Ryder said.
"If Arsenal turn that into an official bid, then the wheels might start moving."
Newcastle paid £40 million for Guimaraes back in 2022, and they'd likely have hoped for a more substantial profit than £25 million in the scenario that they sold their talismanic number eight.
However, the Tynesiders have lost leverage by not securing European qualification, and by allowing the player's contract to run into its final 24 months.
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Sandro Tonali's Tottenham Move Could Complicate Bruno Guimaraes Deal
Sandro Tonali applauding the Newcastle United supportersvia Reuters
Newcastle are facing something of a mass exodus of their best players this summer. Antony Gordon joined Barcelona last month, while Sandro Tonali is on the verge of completing a £100 million switch to Tottenham Hotspur.
Tonali's exit in particular is likely to impact Guimaraes' prospective move. Newcastle will surely be reluctant to sanction the departure of their two best midfielders in the same window.
The windfall from generating around £170 million for the Italian and Gordon also means that the Magpies won't exactly be strapped for cash. They have little reason to accept a slightly underwhelming offer for Guimaraes, beyond the threat of losing him for free in two years' time.
In fact, some reports suggest that Newcastle are prepared to offer their captain a bumper new contract to fend off Arsenal's interest, despite these reports that indicate a move could be on the cards.