The clock is ticking. Bruno Guimaraes is due back at Newcastle’s training ground on Friday, July 31, and Arsenal still haven’t made a second bid that gets anywhere close to what the Magpies want.
Eddie Howe confirmed as much after Newcastle’s 1-1 friendly draw at Gateshead over the weekend. He’s been in regular contact with his captain throughout the summer. But even Howe admitted he can’t guarantee what happens next.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen with Bruno’s future,” Howe said. “That’s for other people to speculate about. There are conversations I’m not part of.”
It was a telling admission. And for Arsenal fans, it’s a sign that things are moving — even if not as quickly as they’d like.
Where Things Stand Between Arsenal and Newcastle
Here’s the state of play, as best we can piece it together from multiple reports:
- Arsenal have agreed personal terms with Guimaraes. That part’s been settled for weeks.
- The Gunners have made two informal approaches — one verbal at around £55m, another through intermediaries at £65m. Both were dismissed.
- A formal bid of roughly £70m is expected imminently. Fabrizio Romano confirmed Arsenal are ready to submit it.
- Newcastle aren’t budging. The Chronicle’s Lee Ryder reported that club sources consider a £70m sale a “non-starter.”
- Newcastle’s valuation sits firmly at £80m or above, with some reports pointing closer to £100m after Sandro Tonali’s sale to Spurs for that exact figure.
Sky Sports’ Keith Downie summed up Newcastle’s frustration:
“Arsenal need to come to the table and show Newcastle the colour of their money.”
The Magpies are annoyed that Arsenal have relied on intermediaries rather than making direct club-to-club contact. It’s slowed things down considerably. And now, Friday’s deadline looms.
Why Arsenal Need to Act Now
There’s real urgency here. It isn’t just about wanting a shiny new midfield addition.
Reports in Spain suggest Martin Zubimendi has instructed his representatives to explore a move to Real Madrid. He only arrived at the Emirates a year ago and played a key role in Arsenal’s Premier League title win. But with Bruno Guimaraes reportedly identified as his potential midfield partner — or even replacement — the Zubimendi situation adds a layer of complexity.
Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta has pinpointed Guimaraes as essential to the club’s title defence. The Brazilian offers press resistance, leadership, and Premier League experience. He’s made 195 appearances for Newcastle and scored 31 goals since joining from Lyon in 2022.
And Guimaraes wants to come. He’s already told Newcastle he’d like to leave. TEAMtalk reports he’s asked his representatives to get things resolved before he’s due back for pre-season.
He won’t force a move, though. Unlike Alexander Isak’s messy departure to Liverpool last summer, Guimaraes intends to report for training on Friday if nothing’s agreed. That’s both admirable and a problem for Arsenal — it removes the pressure a holdout would create.
What Happens on Friday?
This is the question everybody’s asking. Will Guimaraes turn up at Newcastle’s training base and fly to Spain for their pre-season camp? Or will Arsenal finally lodge the kind of offer that makes Newcastle think twice?
Howe made his position clear: “He’s captain of our club and been an unbelievable player. We absolutely love him and of course everyone would love him to stay.”
But Howe also acknowledged the pain of losing key players this summer. Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali are already gone. Selling their captain on top of that? It would be a bitter pill.
For Arsenal, the maths isn’t complicated. They need to get closer to £80m. Maybe structure a deal creatively — add-ons, performance bonuses, whatever it takes. A £70m opening gambit is fine as a negotiating tactic, but it won’t get the job done on its own.
The next 72 hours could define Arsenal’s summer. Don’t blink.
