Arsenal's pursuit of Bruno Guimarães takes shock twist after being 'misled' by Newcastle

Arsenal’s pursuit of Bruno Guimarães has taken a shock twist despite the Newcastle United midfielder reportedly making it clear that he wants to leave the Magpies this summer.

Earlier in July, it was widely reported that Guimarães had asked to leave Newcastle after four seasons with the club.

Sandro Tonali has already joined Premier League rivals Tottenham in a deal worth an initial £92.5 million, with his former teammate also widely expected to leave St James’ Park this summer.

On July 8, BBC Sport reported that Newcastle were seeking a fee of around £60 million.

Meanwhile, a fresh report from The Telegraph has suggested that Arsenal were led to believe they would land the Brazil international for £50 million.

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The outlet claims that Arsenal initially registered their interest in Guimarães after being made aware that he was available for the aforementioned price by intermediaries.

However, this does not appear to be the case, with the deal seemingly hitting a snag in negotiations despite Mikel Arteta being an admirer of the midfielder. Newcastle are also keen to keep their captain.

The Telegraph claims Newcastle’s former co-owner Amanda Staveley had informed Guimarães’ representatives that the club would listen to offers of £50 million if the Magpies failed to qualify for the Champions League, which they did last term.

But Staveley left her role as a club director in July 2024.

Bruno Guimarães Arsenal transfer takes twist

It is reported that there is no release clause in Guimarães’ contract, which runs until 2028, meaning Arsenal will likely have to pay in excess of the £50 million fee they intended to if they want to sign the player this summer.

Talks have failed to progress in recent days, with Arsenal unwilling to discuss a fee higher than £60 million, while Newcastle are not interested in any bonus payments or add-ons, wanting the fee to be paid in full.

In talks between intermediaries, Newcastle have made it clear they would want a fee of around £100 million to allow Guimarães to leave.

The outlet added: “Guimarães’ representatives have tried to pressure Newcastle into selling their most important player, even arguing they should allow a player in the peak years of his career to move to a club that is playing in the Champions League and will be competing for the Premier League title again next season. They claim their client has given everything to Newcastle, but the time is right for him to move on.

“That view does not account for how important Guimarães is to the club, both as a player and a leader, as well as the fact Newcastle have already sold Alexander Isak, Tonali and Anthony Gordon in the last 12 months.

“Although Guimarães would like the move and has told Newcastle of his desire to explore a transfer to the Premier League champions, he understands and appreciates the club’s desire to keep him.

“He will push for a departure only if Arsenal make a bid that gets close to Newcastle’s valuation.”

The North East club have already seen key man Anthony Gordon leave this summer, with the England international joining Barcelona. This came after Alexander Isak departed for Liverpool in 2025.