The onus is on Arsenal is put up or shut up in as Bruno Guimaraes’ future at Newcastle United hangs in the balance.
Bruno Guimaraes wants to leave Newcastle United, a la Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali. Fans should at least begin to contemplate the thought of losing the club’s talisman over the coming weeks.
This news has not come as a surprise - certainly within media circles. Guimaraes - like the three who left before him - has become frustrated at Newcastle’s lack of progress.
Each high-profile exit so far has come with a different thread of reasoning. Isak downing tools and forcing a Liverpool move felt premature after securing Champions League qualification and Carabao Cup success.
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On Gordon, who could begrudge a player wanting to join Barcelona? Tonali’s departure was not as virtuous, largely driven by finances and a desire to live in the capital.
But all three deals were woven by the same frustration: Newcastle’s inability to deliver on the manifesto pledge of October 2021. It was the initial vision and ambition that the Magpies - sitting 19th in the table - weaponised to sign Guimaraes as their first blue-chip arrival.
Almost five years on, with the Brazilian turning 29 in November, the temptation to join the Premier League champions has proven too much. But as it stands, Arsenal are not acting like the reigning kings.
The Gazette understands they are yet to make a concrete approach for the midfielder. For now, the transfer talk has only taken place between his intermediaries and Arsenal.
Newcastle - who own the player - sit and wait. They are aware that Guimaraes wants out. But until a bid arrives, the Magpies are preparing for the new campaign while trying to block out the growing distraction.
David Hopkinson vowed to supporters in March that those wishing to leave will only do so on Newcastle’s terms. He stayed true to his word on Tonali, forcing Tottenham Hotspur to cough up £100million.
Newcastle are in no mood to be bullied by Arsenal. Unlike the Isak saga - where the fee was never an issue - a disparity in terms of valuation exists.
Hopkinson also promised there would be no repeat of the £125million situation that derailed the club’s summer window last year. But that does not equate to letting Guimaraes leave on the cheap.
The Gunners thought Guimaraes could join for around the £60million mark. This was immediately dismissed internally on Tyneside. However, there are suggestions that an offer worth £85million may see movement.
For any Toon fans clinging onto hope that the Brazilian stays, this is it. Arsenal have already shown that they will not overpay after retreating over Morgan Rogers’ £117million price tag.
Neither Newcastle or Arsenal want a long-winded saga. Ideally, the player would hope for his future to be ironed out before awkwardly beginning pre-season training in 10 days.
The next move belongs to Arsenal - Guimaraes’ stance is clear. It is entering the put-up-or-shut-up stage of negotiation but, until a formal offer arrives, Newcastle have little reason to blink.