'Him, Declan Rice and Odegaard in midfield' - Mikel endorses Arsenal's pursuit of Newcastle star
'Him, Declan Rice and Odegaard in midfield' - Mikel endorses Arsenal's pursuit of Newcastle star
Former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel has backed Arsenal's pursuit of Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães, describing the Brazilian as a far more realistic transfer target than Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior.
Newcastle United are determined to keep Guimarães despite interest from Arsenal, but the Brazilian midfielder is reportedly keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium.
According to reports in England, Newcastle have already turned down Arsenal's opening offer for the 28-year-old, with the Gunners now weighing up an improved bid in an attempt to revive negotiations.
Speaking about Arsenal's summer recruitment, Mikel said Guimarães has the qualities to transform Mikel Arteta's midfield and help the Premier League champions produce a more entertaining style of football.
"He’s going to be a good signing for Arsenal. I think him and Declan Rice in that midfield and Martin Odegaard is going to be good," Mikel said on The Obi One podcast.
"Mikel Arteta knows he has to play some attractive football this season. You can’t play the same way you played last season.
"He knows he has to entertain the Arsenal fans because last season, what the fans were watching, it’s not what they wanted to watch, it’s not what they paid for."
Since joining Newcastle United in 2022, Guimarães has established himself as one of the club's most influential players, making 195 appearances while contributing 31 goals and 31 assists.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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