​Luke Edwards of The Telegraph reports that Arsenal’s initial approach for Bruno Guimaraes was based on information from intermediaries suggesting the midfielder could depart Newcastle United for around £50 million. The player’s representatives are said to have spoken with former Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley, who reportedly indicated that the club would consider offers in that vicinity if they failed to secure Champions League football. However, if such an informal understanding ever existed, Newcastle appears unwilling to honour it now. With Staveley no longer at the helm, the club is demanding a figure similar to the £100 million Newcastle paid for Sandro Tonali, according to Edwards.
Edwards adds that Guimaraes would welcome a move to Arsenal and has informed Newcastle of his preference, but he would only push for a transfer if the Gunners come close to Newcastle’s valuation. At present, the midfielder is expected to report for pre-season training later this month.
Newcastle has reportedly told Guimaraes’s representatives and the intermediaries involved in the potential deal that they will not entertain offers that do not near their valuation. Multiple sources indicate that personal terms should not be a problem: the player desires to live in London, to work with Mikel Arteta, to compete in the Champions League, and to win trophies.
Yet none of that will matter if Arsenal and Newcastle cannot bridge the gap on the transfer fee. The sticking point remains the financial figure, which could determine whether the move materialises despite the player’s ambitions and preferences.