Bruno Guimaraes helped end a 70-year wait for a major trophy at Newcastle United with League Cup glory last year.
Newcastle United cannot afford to lose captain Bruno Guimaraes this summer after already seeing Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon leave the club.
Gordon joined Barcelona in a £70m deal, while Tonali completed a move to Tottenham worth around £100m. Losing Guimaraes would mean Newcastle have lost two members of last season’s midfield trio.
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Although, they have strengthened with the signings of Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba from Ajax and Monaco respectively.
Guimaraes still has two years remaining on his contract, and Newcastle are under no pressure to sell. Liverpool explored a potential move earlier this summer, but their interest did not progress beyond talks with the player’s representatives.
According to talkSPORT, Arsenal are now in advanced talks over a move for Guimaraes and a verbal agreement worth more than £75m has been discussed.
The Gunners have made the Newcastle captain a priority target and hope to reach an agreement before the end of the month.
However, Newcastle insist Guimaraes is not for sale, and Arsenal would need to make a formal approach to test their resolve. The midfielder has reportedly agreed personal terms with Arsenal.
With speculation continuing, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admitted he is unsure what the future holds for his captain after the Magpies’ 1-1 draw against Gateshead on Saturday.
Eddie Howe said: “I’ve spoken to Bruno before, during and after the World Cup. We have had some really good conversations.
“He’s just a fantastic person. I don’t know what’s going to happen with his future; that’s for other people to speculate about.
“There’s conversations I’m not part of. I don’t think it’s fair to compare (to Isak last summer). You’ve got to look at it in its own right.
“He’s captain of our club and been an unbelievable player, through the whole time we have worked together. I speak on behalf of everyone at the club; we absolutely love him, and of course everyone would love him to stay.
“He’s due back on the 31st [of July], and there’s nothing to say he won’t be back.” Guimaraes remains a popular figure in the Newcastle dressing room, and the club have received no indication that he will act anything other than professionally.
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Bruno Guimaraes
Newcastle United