Arsenal would have to go close to the £92m up-front fee to tempt Newcastle United into selling captain Bruno Guimaraes, with sources at St James’ Park insistent there has been no direct talks about the player.
The i Paper has been told Newcastle’s focus is on incoming deals, with “multiple” targets being actively worked on.
Meetings were taking place on Tuesday aimed at expediting deals for a new midfielder and goalkeeper, two priority positions that the Magpies are aiming to strengthen.
And there was scepticism from the club about reports Arsenal are “advancing” their interest in Guimaraes, who is unsettled at Newcastle and keen to explore the possibility of a move to North London.
“They must still be on hold at the switchboard,” was the verdict of one Newcastle power broker to reports they have initiated “direct” talks for the 28-year-old.
Guimaraes and Newcastle – what now?
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 05: Bruno Guimaraes #8 of Brazil reacts after a missed chance during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Brazil and Norway at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 05, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steph Chambers - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Bruno Guimaraes is said to be shaken by his penalty miss during Brazil’s World Cup exit against Norway (Photo: Getty)
Sources admit Newcastle are facing a “transition” summer, obliged to pivot away from signing established talent due to a combination of seeking to comply with difficult Uefa financial rules, missteps and an over-spend last summer, and also failing to qualify for Europe.
They are “taking their medicine”, in the words of one observer, and new recruits are almost certain to fall into the category of aged 18-24, with high ceilings but also room to develop.
Most of the targets are based in Europe. Securing those players is proving difficult, with insiders admitting that given the competition for their targets it is not impossible they suffer more of the disappointment that saw them miss out on Johan Manzambi and Victor Munoz earlier in the window.
This is not the project Guimaraes was sold. As a Brazil international who believes his natural stage is the Champions League, there is unease at the prospect of playing for a team hothousing young talent.
Those who know his mindset also believe he has been shaken by missing a penalty in Brazil’s World Cup exit to Norway.
Newcastle believe Arsenal’s interest is being largely driven by influential intermediaries and are bewildered by the Gunners not being direct about their interest.
The latest round of reports has surprised Newcastle: they don’t want to sell but a conversation could perhaps begin at around £85m, just shy of the £92m Tottenham Hotspur paid for Sandro Tonali.
Any deal would need to be done with time to replace him properly and a fee that would give Newcastle a chance to do that. The figures being thrown about at the moment are a “joke”, in the words of one source.
Could Guimaraes be Newcastle’s next Isak saga?
Liverpool's Swedish striker #09 Alexander Isak reacts during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on May 9, 2026. (Photo by PETER POWELL / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /
Is this Isak to Liverpool all over again? (Photo: Getty)
Newcastle are realistic about what comes next. The Alexander Isak saga dictates that you can never say never – but given the prices being paid this summer only something extraordinary unlocks Guimaraes for Arsenal. So far, they haven’t seen any evidence that is forthcoming.
Guimaraes is currently on holiday after his World Cup exertions but all eyes will be on the Newcastle captain.
Are the leaks part of a campaign to encourage him to follow Isak’s lead and force Newcastle’s hand? There are some who suspect that, and going nuclear ultimately made it impossible for the Magpies to resist Liverpool’s overtures on Isak.
Newcastle say they have learned lessons from that, which is why they traded early on Tonali and Anthony Gordon. But – insiders point out – they also got big fees for both after refusing to deal lower than their asking price.
Eddie Howe, who will speak for the first time in a turbulent summer at Gateshead on Saturday, has talked Guimaraes around before when a move to Manchester City did not materialise in 2024.
He will back himself to do the same again, leaning into Guimaraes own legacy with Newcastle fans and not wanting to spoil that.
Newcastle transfers: ‘Judge us on 1 September’
Newcastle are working on deals that are sorely needed. There has been plenty of talks, meetings and messages – the club are working on “multiple, concurrent deals” – but until they come to fruition fans will understandably fret about their recruitment approach.
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After a tough season in which they failed to meet a minimum requirement to qualify for Europe, the squad currently looks weaker. They have brought in three players but need more. They are working on a midfielder and goalkeeper, although hopes of landing James Trafford from Manchester City appear to be fading.
One senior source summed it up to The i Paper: “This was never going to be a straightforward summer. Judge us on 1 September.”