Just hours before Fabrizio Romano revealed Eddie Howe would leave Newcastle United with immediate effect, the departing head coach delivered a series of comments about Bruno Guimarães that now carry far greater significance for Arsenal.
Speaking after Newcastle’s pre-season defeat to Bristol City on Wednesday night, Howe was repeatedly asked about the growing speculation surrounding the Brazilian midfielder’s future.
Rather than dismissing the rumours or insisting Guimarães would remain at St James’ Park, Howe admitted that neither he nor, in some respects, the player himself were in control of what happens next.
“We’re not in control of that. And to some degree, I don’t think Bruno’s in control of that either.”
READ MORE: Arsenal ready to make blockbuster Vinicius Junior move if Real Madrid talks collapse
He then added another remarkable line.
“What will be, will be. We can’t control the forces that are at play here.”
At the time, the comments appeared to reflect the uncertainty surrounding Arsenal’s pursuit of Guimarães.
However, only hours later, Romano reported that Howe is set to leave Newcastle with immediate effect, with the club already beginning work on appointing his successor.
That sequence of events completely changes how Howe’s final comments can be interpreted.
If Newcastle were already preparing for a managerial change behind the scenes, it may explain why Howe repeatedly distanced himself from the club’s transfer decisions, even admitting he no longer had control over the situation.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
For Arsenal, it could represent the biggest encouragement yet.
The Gunners have already submitted an offer worth **£70 million plus £5 million in add-ons**, while reports from Brazil have claimed there is increasing optimism that an agreement can eventually be reached.
Howe had always been regarded as Guimarães’ strongest ally inside Newcastle.
The England coach built his team around the Brazilian, made him captain and consistently described him as one of the club’s most important players.
With Howe now leaving and a new era beginning at St James’ Park, Arsenal may believe Newcastle’s stance is becoming increasingly flexible.
A new manager is likely to arrive with different priorities, while the club’s hierarchy could decide that selling Guimarães would provide the funds needed to reshape the squad.
Nothing has been agreed yet, but the timing is striking.
Less than 12 hours before leaving Newcastle, Howe admitted the situation was beyond his control.
Now that he is gone, Arsenal will hope one of the biggest obstacles to signing Bruno Guimarães has disappeared with him.
NEXT ARTICLE: Eddie Howe exit hands Arsenal huge Bruno Guimaraes transfer boost
Bruno Guimaraes