Bruno Guimaraes recently informed Newcastle United of his desire to depart the club amid transfer interest from Premier League winners Arsenal
Arsenal v Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium in London ----- Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes reacts after being subbed.
Bruno Guimaraes has told Newcastle United he wants to leave St. James' Park(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)
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Former Sky Sports host Jeff Stelling believes Bruno Guimaraes would be "crazy" to leave Newcastle United so he can live in London. The Magpies skipper has informed the club he wishes to depart this summer.
He is of interest to Premier League winners Arsenal, who have already had a verbal offer of be rejected by Newcastle chiefs. Ex-Aston Villa forward Gabby Agbonlahor believes Guimaraes wishes to leave the club so he can challenge for major trophies.
The ex-England international also put forward the idea the Brazilian may want to live in the capital. Stelling, if this is the case, believes Guimaraes would be crazy to do so.
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Speaking to talkSPORT, Agbonlahor said: "He wants to come to Arsenal now to win trophies. He's seen Arsenal win the Premier League and got to the Champions League final, he's going to win more trophies now at Arsenal than he will at Newcastle.
"They've sold Tonali, last season they sold Isak, Gordon has gone as well, who's next? Is it Barnes? I understand the reason why he is moving but I do think, a little part of it, is coming to the capital city, one of the best cities in the world."
A staggered Stelling then replied: "Trophies and money, I can have that, but swapping Newcastle for London? Are you crazy," to which Agbonlahor replied: "I think a lot of people would prefer to live in London."
Stelling then twisted the knife into the capital even further by saying: "Even with it's overflowing rubbish on the streets, it's impossible to get around.
Newcastle United v Arsenal at St. James' Park, Newcastle Upon Tyne ----- Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes and ref Jarred Gillett
Arsenal are the main club credited with an interest in Guimaraes(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)
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"You look at Newcastle and the beauty of it, the theatre royal, and the architecture of Grey Street and Grey's Monument. You've got the racecourse, Hadrian's wall is just outside the city.
"It's a dream venue. It is one of Europe's great cities. So I don't think he's moving for that. If he goes to Arsenal, what is he going to do, live in the Holloway Road?"
Newcastle have already sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for around £69.3m while Tonali is set to finalise a £100m move to Spurs. Arsenal are now believed to be determined to sign Guimaraes, who turns 29 in November.
However, the fact he is close to 30 means the Gunners may not be willing to spend more than £60m on his services. So far, Newcastle have insisted they will not be selling the ex-Lyon star, who has made 195 appearances, contributing 31 goals and 32 assists.