Newcastle United CEO David Hopkinson does not want another Alexander Isak situation at St James’ Park.
Newcastle United want to keep Bruno Guimaraes but would sanction a big-money sale on their terms.
Two high-profile exits have already been confirmed in Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali. This is a change in tack from the damaging saga that derailed the summer transfer window 12 months ago.
Last year, the Magpies were held to ransom by a sulking superstar who refused to train or play. Toon chiefs desperately wanted to avoid an Alexander Isak repeat - and have done so by securing Gordon and Tonali’s swift departure.
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Bruno Guimaraes transfer saga
However, the Guimaraes saga could prove to be more turbulent. There was an acceptance towards the back end of the season that Gordon and Tonali would be allowed to leave.
But the Toon hierarchy do not want - or need - to cash in on their captain. As reported by The Gazette last month, Guimaraes has seriously been considering his Newcastle future in recent weeks.
Arsenal are interested - and he has now signalled his intention to leave this summer. The two clubs are wide in terms of valuation, with the Gunners hoping to pay £60million.
Newcastle - rightfully - would demand closer to the £100million they fetched from Tottenham Hotspur for Tonali. It remains to be seen whether Guimaraes will adopt the Isak approach and push for a move to North London.
David Hopkinson open to sale
In March, Newcastle CEO David Hopkinson publicly vowed there will never be another “Isak-like scenario” on Tyneside. So far, he has been a man of his word - but Guimaraes provides a separate dilemma altogether.
Losing the midfielder jeopardises any chance of the Magpies enjoying a successful season. Hopkinson told reporters: “We think through what players might or might not want to do this summer.
“But if an Isak-like scenario presents itself again, any player under contract is going to leave on our terms and we’re going to maximise the opportunity that might represent for the club. Going forward, our strategy is to buy well and sell well.”
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