Newcastle are intending to keep Bruno Guimaraes despite there being interest from some top clubs including Chelsea, according to reports.
The Blues are coming off the back of a hectic summer, in a first transfer window under the new ownership team, fronted by Todd Boehly they spent a club record amount.
There were some important signings to be made, particularly in defence following the departures of both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen on free transfers. Raheem Sterling was the first arrival, but was followed by Kalidou Koulibaly, Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana, who all bolstered the backline.
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Some significant additions were also made to the youth at Chelsea, with Carney Chukwuemeka, Cesare Casadei and Gabriel Slonina making moves. On Deadline Day, the west London side completed swoops for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Denis Zakaria on loan from Juventus.
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Swiss midfielder Zakaria is yet to feature for the Blues despite being named on the bench a few times. He revealed he was looking forward to working under Thomas Tuchel and that he played a major role in his decision to move to Stamford Bridge.
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However, things quickly changed at Chelsea, with the German leaving the club and being replaced by Graham Potter.
So even though the Blues did spend a lot this summer, and brought in the former Borussia Monchengladbach player, they still are interested in bringing in a new midfielder in January.
Zakaria has not been the solution so other options are being looked at.
According to reports, there is interest in Brazilian Guimaraes who currently plays for Newcastle in the Premier League.
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He only signed for the Magpies last January, in a move worth €40 million from French side Lyon. Currently, he is contracted with Eddie Howe's side until 2026, but the Blues are still interested in attempting to acquire the 24-year-old.
In the Premier League so far this season Guimaraes has netted twice and provided two assists. He has been a crucial factor in their success so far this season, and was involved in their 2-1 win against Tottenham at the weekend that saw them move into the top four.
While Chelsea are interested, as reported by Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle have no intention of losing him.
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He wrote: "Newcastle plans for Bruno Guimaraes remain very clear and won't change: the club wants to offer him a new long term contract with salary improved, as reported last month.
"Many top clubs are interested in signing Bruno in 2023 but Newcastle want to keep him."
Should he agree a new deal, it would warn off the interest from the Blues and other top clubs. This would be a rather difficult deal for Chelsea to complete, and if they were to go for the midfielder, Newcastle would be charging a high price.
Topics: Chelsea, Newcastle United, Premier League, Football
Sam Collins