Eddie Howe’s departure could reshape Newcastle’s summer, and Arsenal’s determination to land Bruno Guimarães shows no sign of fading.
Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United splashes water on his face prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal at St James' Park on September 28, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Arsenal‘s pursuit of Bruno Guimarães could take on added significance after it was announced that Eddie Howe has decided to leave Newcastle United with immediate effect.
Howe has chosen to step down, with Matthias Jaissle (currently with Al Ahli, owned by the same people as own the Magpies) emerging as the leading candidate to replace him, with the development following a turbulent summer at Newcastle, that has seen a number of key players sold.
Arsenal’s interest in Guimarães predates the latest developments at St James’ Park and remains rooted in the club’s desire to strengthen their midfield, as well as the Brazilian’s reported willingness to consider a move.
The biggest obstacle obviously continues to be Newcastle’s determination to keep one of their most influential players, as is their right. The club have already rejected approaches from Arsenal and, under Howe, remained reluctant to sanction a sale, due to significant player turnover already this summer with Anthony Gordon joining Barcelona and Sandro Tonali moving to Tottenham.
Newcastle United player Bruno Guimaraes reacts during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Bournemouth at St James' Park on April 18, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Howe’s departure, coupled with the player’s desire to become a Gunner, could, however, finally open the door for Arsenal.
Asked about Bruno last night, before it was announced he was leaving, he reportedly said “what will be, will be” before admitting he had ‘lost control of transfers’.
Lee Ryder on Twitter "Eddie Howe had said "what will be, will be" with Bruno Guimaraes last night and admitted to reporters that he had lost control of transfers
Speaking ahead of the campaign, Mikel Arteta made it clear Arsenal intend to strengthen further as they look to build a squad capable of reaching another level.
“A lot is happening. From ownership to the board, the sporting director and myself, we want to take this club to a different level,” he said.
“That is going to require a better squad and better individuals. We have identified where we have opportunities to grow and improve and evolve our game and what is going to be needed to achieve that.
“Hopefully very soon we can start to put things in a very concrete way.
“Excellence has to be our standard, the way we behave daily with more and more determination and ambition.
“We have to show we belong at this level and want to increase and take this club to a different dimension.”
Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United smiles as he arrives at the ground prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Arsenal FC at St James' Park on November 02, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Eddie Howe leaves Newcastle as Arsenal continue to chase Bruno
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle exit comes as Arsenal continue pushing to sign Bruno Guimaraes, with the midfielder still a priority target.
Liverpool agreement denied but Arsenal lag behind for PSG signing
New reports have denied that Bradley Barcola has reached a contract agreement with Liverpool, but confirmed that the Paris Saint-Germain winger is prioritising the Merseyside club.
Manchester City starter a doubt for Community Shield after injury & transfer talk
Manchester City hopes of fielding Rodri in the Community Shield match against Arsenal next month have suffered a double blow, with the player having surgery and Real Madrid opening talks to sign him.
New Arsenal Head of Performance appointment confirmed
Antonio Gomez’s appointment as Arsenal’s new Head of Performance has been confirmed through images of the Spaniard attending training with the Gunners.
Ligue 1 club chief rejects transfer request from Arsenal target
Matias Fernandez-Pardo has asked to leave Lille OSC this summer, with Arsenal interested, but club president Olivier Letang insists he’s not going.
Related Topics