Arsenal remain hopeful of striking a deal to sign a top Premier League midfielder this summer as their search for a new number 8 goes on. The Gunners have had a slow transfer window so far, but that was expected on the back of last season's success, which included a Premier League title and a Champions League final berth.
Mikel Arteta wants to improve his squad, with a left-winger and a number 8 at the top of the list, while some squad players who leave will have to be replaced, but only clear upgrades will do at this stage. That significantly narrows down the shortlist, and Chelsea's hijacking of their proposed Morgan Rogers deal certainly didn't help. Still, Arsenal will be calm as their search goes on, and they could be helped by one player pushing for an exit this summer.
Arsenal handed Bruno Guimaraes transfer update
Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes celebrates vs Crystal Palacevia Reuters
According to TeamTalk, Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes, who has been linked with Arsenal for much of the summer, is becoming 'increasingly frustrated' by his situation at St James' Park. It has been known since the start of this month that Guimaraes has wanted out of Newcastle, keen to play at the highest level, and indeed in European football.
But Newcastle, who have already sold Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon this summer, do not want to sell, and they are asking for £100million, which Arsenal are not willing to pay for a number 8, well aware that their winger deal, whoever it may involve, is going to be particularly pricey.
Newcastle know they cannot afford to get much weaker, already with plenty of new signings to make, and Guimaraes may pay the price for that, which is where his frustration is rooted. The Brazilian is now 29 years of age, and he is likely feeling as though his chance of landing a top move is slipping away.
For now, the midfielder is getting some extra time off after playing at the World Cup with Brazil.
Arsenal unlikely to get sucked into paying £100m fee
Mikel Arteta
The crucial component for Arsenal in any Guimaraes deal is that they simply don't need to be paying £100million for a new number 8. The argument could be made for the winger position, but in midfield, they already have a wealth of talent between Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Martin Odegaard, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Eberechi Eze, Max Dowman and Christian Norgaard.
Signing a new number 8 is a real luxury for Arsenal, and while they will feel as though it is needed to compete with the likes of PSG, it is not a position they need to spend £100million to improve.
That said, Guimaraes would be a top signing for the Gunners, with Newcastle boss Eddie Howe having previously said of the midfielder: "I think he is world class. And I don't say that lightly. He has unbelievable qualities & an unbelievable attitude to life and football."
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