Newcastle frustrated by Arsenal's pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes and will demand transfer fee of £80m for captain

Newcastle are frustrated with Arsenal's pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes and will only consider selling him for upwards of £80m, according to Sky Sports News' North East reporter Keith Downie.

The Brazil international has told his club he wants to join Arsenal this summer but Downie says that, contrary to recent reports, the Gunners still haven't made contact with Newcastle directly.

Arsenal have instead explored the conditions of a deal through intermediaries, an approach which has left Newcastle frustrated as they try to gauge whether their interest is genuine.

Downie expects the saga to continue but insists Newcastle are determined to keep their captain and value him at over £80m, only £20m less than his former team-mate Sandro Tonali, who they sold to Spurs for £100m earlier this month.

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"The stories regarding Bruno Guimaraes are not going to go away," Downie said on Sky Sports News.

"The main reason for that is that he has told Newcastle he would like to explore a move away from the club, and a move to Arsenal in particular.

"He is ambitious. He wants to win trophies. He doesn't want to end his career having only won the Carabao Cup and potentially another cup with Newcastle.

"Newcastle aren't going to win the Premier League. He wants to win titles. He wants to have the opportunity to do that. But Arsenal need to come to the table and show Newcastle the colour of their money.

"There are various reports out there saying Arsenal have made bids to Newcastle via intermediaries or middle-men. But as we sit here this morning, Arsenal have not contacted Newcastle.

"As I understand it, Newcastle have actually reached out to Arsenal and said, 'Look, are you serious about this? Are you trying to sign this player because we've had nothing from you?'

"It's all playing out with agents and I think it's frustrating for Newcastle because without doubt it's unsettling the player, hence why he has said he would like to explore his options elsewhere."

Newcastle are in the midst of a busy summer, having sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £69.3m before Tonali's £100m sale to Spurs. The club have also spent a combined £83.5m on Bazoumana Toure, Sean Steur and Ewen Jaouen.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are yet to complete any major signings. Morgan Rogers, one of their targets, sensationally joined Chelsea from Aston Villa, while their interest in Guimaraes is yet to be formalised, with Newcastle determined to secure a large profit on a player they signed for £40m in 2022.

"It feels like it's going to rumble on," added Downie.

"What would be the tipping point for Newcastle? I think it has to start with an eight. He is going to be 29 soon. They got £100m for Sandro Tonali but Bruno is three years older, so that means his value is a little bit less.

"Newcastle are desperate not to sell him. They've said he's not for sale. But once a player agitates to go, it's really difficult to hold on to him.

"But Arsenal need to come to the table and offer, and only then will Newcastle take their interest seriously, once they make a concrete offer, not via any middle-men."

Guimaraes, who featured for Brazil at the World Cup, has made 195 appearances in all competitions for Newcastle and scored 31 goals.

Why 'complete' Guimaraes appeals to Arsenal

Leadership, experience, a history of robustness and a complete midfield profile make Guimaraes an attractive target for Arsenal, writes Sky Sports' Nick Wright, as the Premier League champions aim to turn last season's success into dominance.

(c) Sky Sports 2026: Newcastle frustrated by Arsenal's pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes and will demand transfer fee of £80m for captain