Arsenal are reportedly interested in acquiring midfielder Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United, with a valuation of £80m being cited. Despite the interest, Guimaraes is not expected to force a move away from St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe, Newcastle United‘s head coach, has indicated that he has engaged in positive discussions with Guimaraes. However, Howe stated he cannot provide assurances regarding the midfielder’s future at the club.
Guimaraes’ Future at Newcastle
Howe mentioned that his conversations with Guimaraes took place before, during, and after the World Cup. He emphasised that the specifics of these discussions would remain private, describing Guimaraes as a “great player” and a “great person.” Howe also noted that he is not involved in speculation surrounding Guimaraes’ future.
Guimaraes has been on holiday with his family following Brazil‘s last-16 exit from the World Cup. He is scheduled to return to Newcastle on Friday and then travel with the squad for a pre-season training camp in Spain.
Howe drew a comparison to Liverpool‘s pursuit of Alexander Isak, who ultimately sought to leave Newcastle. However, Howe stated there is “nothing to say Bruno won’t be back training with us.” He expressed the club’s strong desire for Guimaraes to remain, highlighting his contributions since joining.
Midfield Reinforcements and Strategy
Newcastle‘s midfield has seen changes with the departure of Sandro Tonali, who transferred to Tottenham in a deal reported to be worth up to £100m. In response, Newcastle has brought in young midfielders Sean Steur from Ajax and Aladji Bamba from Monaco.
Steur played 90 minutes in a pre-season friendly against Gateshead, with Howe commending his performance. Steur’s move from Ajax, at an age of 18, involved a fee reported to be up to £23m. Willem Weijs, who coached Steur at Jong Ajax, described him as one of the highest-rated players in their academy, noting his technical ability and composure.
Weijs also pointed out areas for Steur’s development, particularly in defensive aspects and physical competitiveness. Newcastle‘s recruitment strategy this summer has focused on acquiring players aged 20 and under from continental clubs. These new additions, including Ewen Jaouen and Bazoumana Toure, will require patience as they adapt.
Howe stressed the importance of supporting these new players and easing the pressure on them to allow for their development. The club’s desire to retain Guimaraes is underscored by previous departures, including Isak, Tonali, and Anthony Gordon.
Meanwhile, other transfer rumours include Liam Delap being a target for Nottingham Forest, and Juventus, Roma, and Como showing interest in Manchester United‘s Joshua Zirkzee.
Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips is reportedly close to another loan move to Sheffield United after being excluded from a pre-season tour of Asia. Brentford is also considering a move for Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr.
In Scotland, Rangers have held discussions to sign Coventry winger Jahnoah Markelo, and former Rangers loanee Andreas Skov Olsen is set to join Turkish club Basaksehir. Real Oviedo‘s sporting director David Fernandez stated his club is in a strong position regarding the sale of their World Cup players, amidst Celtic‘s interest in Haissem Hassan.
Boca Juniors have reportedly received an offer from the MLS for Marcelo Saracchi, whom Celtic had hoped to re-sign after his loan spell last season. Additionally, Real Betis is reportedly preparing a move for Rangers midfielder Nico Raskin.
Lisandro Martinez and Alexis Mac Allister reportedly hired private security for their homes following England‘s 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final.
Source: skysports.com