This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
Arsenal “have taken a step back” in their pursuit of Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes, according to reports.
Most Read on Gooner News
The Chronicle‘s Chief Newcastle United writer Lee Ryder says the Gunners have not held any fresh talks about signing the midfielder this week.
Having made two verbal offers, worth £45m and £60m, the Premier League champions have yet to follow up.
It is said to be a “new twist” in what has already become a protracted transfer battle. The first informal approach for Guimaraes came almost a month ago.
Will Arsenal return to the negotiating table?
This transfer saga has been rather strange because the Gunners have not engaged directly with Newcastle. Everything has been done through intermediaries, with sporting director Andrea Berta believed to be using super agent Kia Joorabchian as the key facilitator.
The recent silence may simply be a lull in negotiations as Mikel Arteta’s side contemplate their next move. They will have to decide whether they will match Newcastle’s asking price, which is said to be between £80m and £85m.
Some would say that is too much for a player who will turn 29 later this year, but the club will have to weigh up all the pros and cons.
Get a brand new Arsenal 2026/27 authentic home shirt from Fanatics
Are there any alternatives to Guimaraes?
Arsenal have a longstanding interest in Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi, but the 18-year-old’s valuation is just as high at €100m (£85m).
Roma’s Manu Kone and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott have also come under consideration, while younger midfielders – including FC Nordsjaelland’s Caleb Yirenkyi, Boca Juniors’ Tomas Aranda and Corinthians’ Breno Bidon have been linked in recent weeks too.
A lot will depend on how much money the Gunners are prepared to spend on a midfielder, bearing in mind they could also splash in excess of £100m on Morgan Rogers.