Arsenal’s chase for Bruno Guimarães hits a surprise bump after feeling ‘misled’ by Newcastle
Arsenal’s chase for Bruno Guimarães has taken a surprising turn, even though the Newcastle midfielder reportedly wants to leave the Magpies this summer.
Earlier in July, it was widely said that Guimarães asked to leave after four seasons at Newcastle. Meanwhile, Sandro Tonali has already joined Premier League rivals Tottenham in a big £92.5 million deal, and many expect Guimarães to follow suit.
On July 8, BBC Sport said Newcastle wanted around £60 million for the player. But a new report from The Telegraph suggests Arsenal were told they could sign the Brazil star for £50 million.
The report says Arsenal showed interest after hearing from middlemen that Guimarães was available at that price. However, things don’t seem that simple. The transfer talks have stalled, even though manager Mikel Arteta is a big fan. Newcastle also want to keep their captain.
According to The Telegraph, Newcastle’s former co-owner Amanda Staveley told Guimarães’ agents that the club might accept £50 million if they didn’t make the Champions League last season – which they didn’t. But Staveley left her role in July 2024.
There’s no release clause in Guimarães’ contract, which runs until 2028, so Arsenal will probably have to pay more than £50 million if they want him now.
Recent talks have made no progress. Arsenal won’t pay more than £60 million, while Newcastle wants the full fee upfront and no extras. In fact, Newcastle have made it clear they would want about £100 million to let Guimarães go.
The report adds that Guimarães’ agents have tried to push Newcastle to sell him, saying it’s time for the player to move to a Champions League club competing for the Premier League title. They say he has given a lot to Newcastle but wants a new challenge.
However, Newcastle see Guimarães as crucial both on the pitch and as a leader, especially after already selling key players like Alexander Isak, Tonali, and Anthony Gordon in the last year.
Although Guimarães wants the move and has told Newcastle he wants to explore it, he understands the club’s wish to keep him. He will push for a transfer only if Arsenal makes an offer close to Newcastle’s price.
Newcastle have already lost Anthony Gordon this summer, who joined Barcelona, following Alexander Isak’s move to Liverpool in 2025.