Arsenal already know how much they will have to pay to sign Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes amid a bombshell informal transfer request. The Gunners are hoping to sign a new number 8 and a left-winger at a minimum this summer as they look to take the next step in their evolution, especially in Europe.
Newcastle star Guimaraes has been linked, but Arsenal's chances of striking a deal were impacted by Tottenham signing Guimaraes' midfield partner Sandro Tonali. Newcastle also lost Anthony Gordon this summer, leaving them with lots to do.
But on Wednesday it emerged that Guimaraes had asked the Magpies to leave, with his clear preference being Arsenal. That will have excited Gunners fans, but there are many more steps to be ticked off before a deal can be done.
Romano issues fresh Guimaraes to Arsenal transfer update
Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes celebrates vs Crystal Palacevia Reuters
Transfer guru provided the full context to the Guimaraes situation on his YouTube show on Wednesday evening. He said: "My understanding is on the player side, Bruno Guimaraes wants to go to Arsenal. Bruno Guimaraes has clear desire to go to Arsenal, and personal terms would not be an issue. So, Bruno wants to go to London and wants to go to Arsenal. Then Bruno Guimaraes, from what I understand, didn't tell Newcastle something in Alexander Isak story style, like one year ago, 'Sell me or I'm not gonna stay here'.
"Bruno Guimaraes wants to be respectful with Newcastle. If Newcastle can reach an agreement with Arsenal, Bruno will be happy to go to Arsenal. If this doesn't happen, Bruno Guimaraes will not create problems for Newcastle.
"So it's a different attitude by Bruno..Bruno is not saying sell me or I'm going to create issues, that's really important to mention. But Bruno wants to go to Arsenal, and now what is going to happen next? My understanding: sources involved and close to the story say that a transfer fee maybe around 90million could be the beginning of the discussion. Arsenal, from my understanding, are not offering 90 million at least at this stage, so it has to be negotiated."
Arsenal may face transfer conundrum with Guimaraes
Morgan Rogers
Arsenal have spent huge money over the last few transfer windows, and they will naturally have to tread carefully when it comes to Profit and Sustainability rules Having become a profit machine during their success of late, the Gunners can still spend big money, but they will need to balance their spend, at least partially, with sales.
The question is whether they can afford to spent £90million on Guimaraes and then go and spend a similar - or even greater - total on a winger. The Gunners like Morgan Rogers, but he could cost £130million, and if they end up paying that money, a £90million deal for Guimaraes is likely out of the question unless they can sell one of their more expensive and important players. It's also worth keeping in mind that both Guimaraes and Rogers - or whichever attacker Arsenal go with - are also going to be expecting huge wages.
Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes celebrates vs Crystal Palace Related
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Bruno Guimaraes has told Newcastle he wants out.