Newcastle United are focusing on replacing Bruno Guimaraes before shifting towards other transfer priorities.
Nico Gonzales is one of several midfield targets Newcastle United have identified as a potential Bruno Guimaraes replacement.
News broke last night that the Magpies have contacted Manchester City over a possible move for the Spaniard. It is understood that the negotiations are not at an advanced stage.
Gonzales is a product of the renowned La Masia youth setup at Barcelona and made 37 first-team appearances before moving to Porto to secure regular football. A successful 18 months persuaded Man City to stump up around £50million in January 2025.
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However, Gonzales has failed to make a significant impact at the Etihad. The 24-year-old started just 17 Premier League games for Pep Guardiola last season - the bulk of which were during Rodri’s time on the sidelines.
A midfield rebuild at City has already seen Rodri and Bernardo Silva join Barcelona, with Elliot Anderson arriving. Naturally, Gonzales could be looking at more game time but the Moroccan wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi is close to joining the club.
Newcastle sources confirmed that Gonzales is a target as they push to give Matthias Jaissle the tools for a successful season. As reported by The Gazette earlier this week, an experienced midfielder is the priority after confirming Amar Dedic on Tuesday.
That does not necessarily mean a player entering the twilight of his career. The Magpies want someone - regardless of age - who can fill the void left by Guimaraes.
Gonzales fits the bill, having played 217 times in his career at just 24. Described as a Rodri-lite, the Spaniard has the technical ability to replace Guimaraes in the Toon engine room.
However, as was the case with Dedic, Newcastle have a shortlist of players who fit their profile. An agreement is not close but the Magpies are keen to attack the final 15 days of the window.
Earlier this month, Gonzales stressed his desire to stay and fight for his place at Man City. He said: “I’m happy here. I don’t want to leave and I think the club wants me to stay. I haven’t seen anything, but I’m happy here.
“I don’t think any player has the position guaranteed for all the matches. Everyone has to work hard.
“We are one of the best teams in the world and obviously there is competition in every position. That is what makes us be in the position that we are, winning so many Premier Leagues and competing for everything.”
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Elsewhere, there is a growing feeling within St James’ Park that Jaissle requires more creativity in forward areas. Nick Woltemade, Yoane Wissa and Joe Willock played as the No.10 during pre-season - none of which are natural operators in the position.
A lack of spark from out wide and in midfield last season - Guimaraes aside - was a major concern for supporters. Harvey Barnes, Anthony Gordon, Jacob Murphy and Anthony Elanga managed just four Premier League assists.
For now, Guimaraes’ successor is Newcastle’s top priority. But the focus will likely shift to a creative spark - whether that be out wide or in the No.10 - in the closing stages of the window.