Reports broke out earlier in the day that Sandro Tonali had reached an agreement on personal terms with Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs have already made a few significant transfer bids for him as well. While Newcastle United have been resilient, it feels like only a matter of time before they accept an offer and bring this saga to an end, just like they did with Alexander Isak last summer.
Worrying for the Magpies, Tonali is not the only high-profile midfielder who could leave St James’ Park this summer. Speculation is growing around Bruno Guimaraes as well.
Guimaraes is currently away at the World Cup with Brazil and put in a couple of assists in their recent win over Scotland. On the other hand, closer to home, Arsenal had a £55 million verbal offer turned down by Newcastle United.
Arsenal do not seem to be deterred by the matter though. On the contrary, it is now being reported that the Premier League champions are expected to test Newcastle United with a bid worth around £80 million.
Arsenal ready to test Newcastle United’s resolve with £80m bid for Guimaraes
Arsenal are believed to have made Guimaraes their priority midfield target. For their part, Newcastle United are determined to keep Guimaraes at the club.
That is understandable. The Magpies would not want arguably their two best players to leave in the same transfer window. But Guimaraes might not have any intention of signing an extension with the club. That makes things more difficult for them.
It remains to be seen exactly how determined Newcastle United are when it comes to holding on to Guimaraes. But in modern football, players mostly play where they want to.
If Guimaraes is determined to leave this summer, it will most likely happen. It remains to be seen if that is the case or whether he merely fancies a move away for the time being.
Other clubs might join race to sign Guimaraes
To be fair, Arsenal might not be the only club that tries to sign Guimaraes this summer. A player of his profile makes a ton of sense for several other clubs as well.
Someone like Guimaraes could be a solid signing for Liverpool as well. The Reds are coming off a poor season by their standards and will be looking to strengthen.
Guimaraes would fit the bill for Chelsea as well. The Blues finished 10th, have a new manager in Xabi Alonso and could be about to lose their best midfielder in Enzo Fernandez, as he is being heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid in this summer transfer window.
It would not come as a surprise if a club like Manchester United come calling as well, in the circumstance that they fail to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United in this summer transfer window.
So, with all that being said, Newcastle United’s chances of holding on to Guimaraes this summer do not seem great. The fans will be hoping that they are resolute in their stance and find a way to convince the Brazilian that St James’ Park is still the place to be.
