Arsenal are reportedly preparing to launch a second bid for Newcastle United's influential midfielder Bruno Guimarães, as the Magpies themselves consider a move for Borussia Dortmund's Felix Nmecha. This potential transfer activity could signal a shift in Newcastle's stance on Guimarães, who they have previously insisted is not for sale.
The Gunners have registered their interest in the 28-year-old Brazilian international and are understood to have made an informal proposal of around £55 million. However, Newcastle have made it clear through Guimarães' representatives that he is not available this summer. Despite this firm position, Arsenal are reportedly mulling over a fresh proposal and are expected to present it to the Magpies, according to the Daily Mail.
Newcastle's Potential Replacement
Newcastle's consideration of Felix Nmecha from Borussia Dortmund could be a strategic move to prepare for Guimarães' potential departure. Sky Sports has reported that the Magpies are interested in Nmecha, who has featured prominently for Germany at the World Cup, scoring and assisting in their recent matches.
Nmecha, a central midfielder, is seen as a potential replacement should Guimarães, or even Sandro Tonali who has also been linked with a move away, depart St. James' Park. The German midfielder has an €85 million (£73.5 million) release clause in his contract with Dortmund, which runs until 2030. However, Newcastle are reportedly keen to negotiate a lower fee, which could prove to be a sticking point.
Arsenal's Pursuit of Guimarães
Arsenal have long admired Guimarães, and reports suggest they have held initial talks with his representatives to gauge his situation at Newcastle, particularly after the club's failure to qualify for European competition. While Guimarães himself has not publicly indicated a desire to leave, and his focus remains on Brazil's World Cup campaign, the persistent speculation surrounding a potential move continues.
Despite Newcastle's strong stance, Arsenal are understood to be confident in their pursuit, with reports claiming they have held talks with the midfielder's representatives.
What it means
For Arsenal, securing Guimarães would be a significant coup, adding a dynamic and proven Premier League midfielder to their ranks. His presence would undoubtedly bolster their midfield options and provide a strong foundation for their ambitions. The potential interest in Nmecha by Newcastle suggests they are at least contemplating the possibility of losing Guimarães, even if they are publicly stating he is not for sale. If Newcastle do pursue Nmecha, it could indicate a softening of their stance on Guimarães, potentially opening the door for Arsenal to increase their offer. The reported £80 million bid Arsenal are now reportedly working towards would represent a substantial investment.
What's next
All eyes will be on Newcastle's next move regarding Felix Nmecha. If they proceed with a bid, it could trigger a domino effect in the transfer market. For Arsenal, it remains to be seen whether they will officially submit a second, improved offer for Guimarães, and how Newcastle will respond to any further advances. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the futures of all three players involved in this developing transfer saga.
Sources
- Arsenal preparing second bid for Bruno Guimaraes as Newcastle 'consider' Felix Nmecha transfer
- Arsenal 'to launch second Bruno Guimaraes bid' with Newcastle transfer stance clear
- Bruno Guimaraes has been linked with a move to Arsenal. [According to reports, Arsenal have received a 'green light' over a deal for Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes as they plot an '£80m bid'
- Arsenal are active in the transfer market after winning the Premier League but losing in the Champions League final, with a centre-midfielder and left winger among their priorities.
- Newcastle are considering a move for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha, which could serve as a transfer boost for Arsenal.
- The Gunners have registered their interest in signing the 28-year-old this summer and are believed to have made an informal proposal of around £55million.
- However, it is understood there has been no direct contact with Newcastle and an official offer has not been submitted as it stands.
- Through Guimaraes' team Newcastle have made it clear that the Brazilian is not for sale this summer, but it would appear they are bracing themselves for a potential exit by lining up a replacement.
- As a central midfielder, and with Guimaraes as well as Sandro Tonali being linked with moves away, naturally interest in Nmecha will be seen as Newcastle making plans just in case one of their key players do end up leaving.
- The report adds the one sticking point for a transfer is the fee. [Nmecha is said to have an €85m (£73.5m) release clause in his Dortmund contract, that runs until 2030 after signing an extension in March.
- Newcastle are said to be keen on paying less than that given their business model, but appreciate it would be a difficult deal to do unless Dortmund are prepared to negotiate.
- Arsenal have held initial talks with Bruno Guimaraes' representatives to understand his situation at St James' Park after Newcastle missed out on European qualification.
- However, Arsenal are now working towards making an offer in the region of £80million.
- TEAMtalk are reporting that the Gunners have 'confidence' over signing Guimaraes after holding talks with the midfielder's representatives.
- The same report claims Arsenal intend to offer £80m for Guimaraes after initially failing with a proposal worth around £60m, while Newcastle 'remain adamant' on their stance on selling him this summer.
- Reports suggesting Arsenal have already submitted an offer worth less than £60million have been firmly dismissed by Newcastle sources.
