Arsenal close in on Bruno Guimaraes agreement as Newcastle identify new surprise replacement

Eddie Howe's shock exit from Newcastle United was confirmed on Thursday morning, and this is what it means for Bruno Guimaraes' future.

After almost five years, 231 matches, and a 46.9% win rate in Premier League fixtures, Howe walked out of St James' Park following a turbulent start to the summer.

Howe told Newcastle's hierarchy he wanted to depart the club weeks ago, but waited for them to find a replacement, with Al Ahli boss Matthias Jaissle emerging as a leading contender to take over.

The 48-year-old ultimately decided to leave after the Toon cashed in on two of their best players, as Anthony Gordon joined Barcelona and Sandro Tonali sealed a move to Tottenham for a combined £170 million.

Unfortunately, Howe also knew that wasn't the end of high-profile exits, as Arsenal are reportedly closing in on a move for captain Bruno Guimaraes.

The Brazilian is keen on a switch to the Emirates Stadium, and even though he won't force a transfer like Alexander Isak did last summer, an agreement is edging closer.

Arsenal closing in on Bruno Guimaraes

Earlier this month, Arsenal launched a £70 million bid for Guimaraes, but fell short of Newcastle's valuation.

Although the 28-year-old has only two years left to run on his contract, the Magpies are holding out for over £80 million.

BBC Sport state that the Gunners are aiming to 'agree a deal' in the coming days, and this could reach the £80 million that the North East giants are asking for.

Crucially, a move is within reach and also isn't connected to Howe's decision to step down as head coach, making it even more likely that Guimaraes joins Arsenal sooner rather than later.

Newcastle signed Guimaraes from Lyon for £40 million at the start of 2022, and he has since become one of the Premier League's most complete midfielders.

The midfield metronome has 63 goal involvements in 195 appearances for the Magpies and will leave big shoes to fill if he does move to north London.

Newcastle identify Joao Palhinha was one of three replacements

On Wednesday, it emerged that Newcastle have identified Porto midfielder Victor Froholdt as their leading replacement for Guimaraes.

However, it won't be easy for the Premier League side to strike a deal, as Porto are unwilling to entertain any deal unless it is close to his €85m (£73.6m) release clause.

Froholdt's eye-watering asking price means a deal will be difficult to complete, and it appears they already have alternatives on their radar.

ESPN journalist Bruno Andrade has revealed that they are in 'advanced' talks with one unnamed midfielder, while Bayern Munich's Joao Palhinha is seen as a potential replacement.

"One deal is more advanced than the other. They are looking at two players to replace what they see as Bruno Guimarães’ imminent move to Arsenal, which has always been his preferred destination," Andrade said.

“One of those players is Joao Palhinha. The Portuguese midfielder who belongs to Bayern Munich and spent last season on loan at Tottenham. Newcastle see him as a good replacement.”

Tottenham decided against triggering Palhinha's purchase option of £26 million after loaning him from Bayern Munich.

The Portuguese defensive midfielder scored five times and assisted twice in 33 top-flight appearances for Spurs last term and is arguably a surprise replacement for Guimaraes.