As if it was necessary, Arsenal’s efforts to sign Bruno Guimarães have received even more encouragement.
A report from Brazil claimed Newcastle United previously agreed to make the midfielder’s exit easier if the club failed to qualify for the Champions League.
ESPN Brazil reports the understanding dates back several years. It is now influencing the current transfer saga between Arsenal and Newcastle.
According to the report, Bruno Guimarães reached what is described as an “amicable agreement” with Newcastle United’s hierarchy towards the end of 2023.
The understanding was that, should the Magpies miss out on qualification for the 2026/27 Champions League, the club would facilitate a move away during the following transfer window. And that scenario has now materialised.
Newcastle finished a disappointing 12th in the Premier League last season. Of course, they failed to qualify for any European competition. So Bruno is expecting the club to honour that commitment.
Arsenal still waiting for breakthrough
Arsenal want to sign Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle United
Arsenal want to sign Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle United
According to ESPN Brazil, that has not happened yet. The story states Newcastle United have still not accepted Arsenal’s latest proposal worth €87m (£75m). It was made up of €81.2m (£70m) plus €5.8m (£5m) in bonuses.
The Brazil international has naturally become frustrated by the situation. This stems from the previous understanding with the club.
However, ESPN claims another figure was even more unhappy with the way events unfolded. Former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, who just left the club, enjoyed a close relationship with Bruno Guimarães. He is said to have expressed his dissatisfaction directly to the board before his departure.
According to the Brazilian outlet, Howe made a point of telling club officials he was unhappy with the way they had handled the midfielder’s situation after the earlier promise.
Gunners pushing to end the saga
ESPN adds that Arsenal remain confident of completing the transfer at the beginning of August. Furthermore, they are keen to avoid allowing negotiations to drag on much longer.
That mirrors comments journalist Bruno Andrade made earlier this week, when he described Bruno Guimarães as “a matter of honour” for Arsenal. He argued the Gunners view the Brazil international as a statement signing.
In the end, Arsenal will hope the previously reported promise helps convince Newcastle to finally accept an offer. Then they can bring one of the summer’s longest-running Premier League transfer stories to a close.
🇵🇹 Lukáš Horníček | Transfer to Newcastle United believed to be imminent, player training whilst he waits for green light to travelhttps://t.co/Tj8hpnN3sz #nufc
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) July 30, 2026