Arsenal transfer news: Bruno Guimarães wants out of Newcastle. That much is clear. Arsenal have moved quickly this week, with sources confirming that only final details now separate the Gunners from securing the Brazilian’s signature. The midfielder has made his preference clear. He wants Mikel Arteta’s side, he wants London, and those close to negotiations expect it to happen.
Arsenal transfer news: Arsenal edge closer to Bruno Guimarães deal as final details near confirmation
What remains uncertain is the exact sum Arsenal will pay. Money has been the main issue throughout this saga. Newcastle are holding firm while Arsenal do not want to overpay. Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie stated on Wednesday that Newcastle want upwards of £80m for their captain and feel annoyed that Arsenal have not made a formal bid yet. Fabrizio Romano added that Arsenal are ready to meet the £90m valuation, though the written offer has still not landed on Eddie Howe’s desk.
It is a strange situation. Guimarães told the club he wants to leave, but he will not go on strike like Alexander Isak did last summer before his £125m move to Liverpool. Arsenal want this wrapped up without that level of drama.
Impressive numbers justify the price tag
The stats back up the money being mentioned. Last season, Guimarães played 29 league games and finished as Newcastle’s top scorer with nine goals and eight assists. That equalled his best total from two years ago. He won the club’s player of the year award and captained the team despite missing 15 games with injury. Averaging a goal involvement every two games put him right near the top for Premier League midfielders. Excellent returns for a player in his role.
Arteta wanted a top-class central midfielder for a long time. Thomas Partey left a gap in the squad that was never properly filled, and Guimarães brings quality alongside leadership. At 28, he is in his prime. His contract runs until 2028, which gives Newcastle leverage, but it also makes this the right moment to sell for top money.
Transfer posturing won’t stop the inevitable
This deal looks set to happen regardless of the posturing from both clubs. Losing a key player hurts, so Newcastle’s frustration makes sense. But keeping a player who wants to leave is hard work. Arsenal have the money, Arteta wants the player, and £90m for a proven midfielder in today’s market is about right. The delay is just two clubs doing business.
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Rohit Sarkar
Rohit Sarkar is a passionate writer with a deep love for multiple sports, but his favourites are football and cricket. Since 2017, he has been covering football and cricket news with a keen eye for detail and compelling storytelling. He is a fan of the beautiful game and a specialist…