Arsenal are looking at Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães as a top target heading into the final weeks of the ongoing transfer window.
At the moment, the Gunners are prioritizing sales as they look to raise funds with the potential departure of Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson. While the North Londoners sort out the outgoings, the Magpies have problems of their own that could force their hand into probable sales. Eddie Howe’s side could be forced to sell this summer owing to their situation with PSR regulations.
‼️EXCL: Understand Bruno Guimaraes is Arsenal’s top target to sign before the TW closes. Arsenal are focused on raising funds before making a bid to avoid breaching P&S rules. Meanwhile, Newcastle are under pressure to sell due to P&S rules after missing out on European football. https://t.co/8Np11wP3rx pic.twitter.com/FjWMfj3Bs3
— Đ₳VłĐ ĐɆł₦ ₣₵ 🔴⚪🎗️ (@David_Dein_FC) August 13, 2024
BRUNO GUIMARAES IS AN OPTION FOR ARSENAL IF MIKEL MERINO DEALS FALL THROUGH
Bruno Guimarães has been on Arsenal’s radar for quite some time as Mikel Arteta is said to be a fan of the left-sided midfielder who is a cult hero at Tyneside. He played a critical role in Newcastle’s Champions League qualification in 2022 and has been one of the more athletic performers in the English top tier since he moved to the Premier League.
The Brazilian also has a knack of contributing offensively, something he did successfully again as he boasts 7 goals and 10 assists in 37 appearances in the Premier League.
Manager Eddie Howe didn’t want his star player to get distracted by potential suitors and hence, the club offered him a lucrative contract that is active until June 2028. The Newcastle gaffer also stated that the 26-year-old has a £100million release clause which can be activated before June 30th earlier this year, however, it has now expired and any interested club will have to sit down on the negotiation table at St. James Park to figure out a possible deal.
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Newcastle United’s absence from the Champions League will affect them hard and they will have restricted leeway with the P&S rules which means that the club will have to sell players to plan a new signing. Hence, there might be an opening for Arsenal to make a solid offer for the South American star and pressurise the Magpies to sell.
THE PROS OF HAVING GUIMARAES IN ARSENAL’S SQUAD
Guimarães is a multi-talented central midfielder with PL experience and has been a leader at Newcastle for a while now. He is a versatile player who can make an impact upfront and also operate in a deep-lying role. He possesses Xhaka-esque qualities and can fill the void left by the Swiss star.
The Brazil international often pulls off cross-field switches and makes sharp passes in between the gaps which could help Arsenal break their over-dependence on right-wing attacks.
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Arteta’s side were weaker from the left side of attack due to lack of a stable midfielder to give Gabriel Martinelli the freedom that he requires.
The Newcastle ace will bring a balance to the Gunners starting eleven and can let Declan Rice play with more freedom and switch roles whenever needed. He is already a ready-made starter and will directly slot in the manager’s main team.
THE CONS OF HAVING GUIMARAES IN ARSENAL’S SQUAD
With all the positives, comes a few limitations in the midfielder’s game. There are issues with his physical stature and he is unimposing to thrive as the lone defensive midfielder.
Although the senior player can work on his weaker aspects, the money-related aspect of this deal provides another hindrance.
It would cost too much to land the Magpies’ star and Arsenal are better aligned to work out a move for Mikel Merino. They might explore other options if they fail to sign the Real Sociedad man but for now, that deal will demand less financial commitment.
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Plus the Gunners have Fabio Vieira and Thomas Partey and with Merino coming in there are a lot of options for them. Guimarães is a talented star but the North London side has better ways to invest those extra millions.
