Eddie Howe wants everyone to relax. His captain isn’t about to go rogue. But with Arsenal circling and Newcastle’s summer already scarred by big-name exits, how much control does the manager really have?
Well, let’s have a look:
After Newcastle’s underwhelming 1-1 draw with National League side Gateshead on Friday, the questions weren’t about pre-season fitness. They were about Bruno Guimaraes and whether another ugly departure is on the horizon.
The Isak wound still stings
Newcastle fans don’t need reminding. Last summer, Alexander Isak forced his way out of St James’ Park in the most painful way possible.
The Swedish striker publicly accused the club of breaking promises. He trained alone. He refused to play in the first three Premier League matches, including a game against the very club buying him.
Liverpool eventually paid a British-record £125m on deadline day. Newcastle’s terse, 36-word goodbye statement said it all about how that relationship ended.
So when Howe was asked whether Guimaraes could “do an Isak,” his response was swift and firm.
“No. Alexander didn’t come back and there’s nothing to say that Bruno won’t be back training with us,” Howe said after the Gateshead match.
He also pushed back against direct comparisons.
“I don’t think it’s fair to compare him to Isak last summer. You’ve got to look at it in its own right,” he added.
But here’s what Howe couldn’t say: that Guimaraes will definitely stay.
“I’ve spoken to Bruno before, during and after the World Cup,” Howe admitted. “He’s captain of our club and has been an unbelievable player. We absolutely love him and, of course, everyone would love him to stay.”
The key word? “Would.”
Arsenal’s approach is frustrating Newcastle
Arsenal haven’t exactly been subtle about their interest. But they haven’t been direct either, and that’s what’s annoying Newcastle.
According to Sky Sports, Guimaraes has already told Newcastle he wants to join the Premier League champions. Yet Arsenal are still working through intermediaries rather than opening formal club-to-club talks.
Here’s where things stand:
- Arsenal reportedly had an initial £70m bid rejected
- Newcastle are demanding at least £80m-£100m, in line with the fee they received for Sandro Tonali’s move to Tottenham earlier this month
- Personal terms aren’t believed to be an issue — Guimaraes wants the move
- The Brazilian is due back at Newcastle training on July 31 after his post-World Cup break
Meanwhile, reports suggest Arsenal have warned Guimaraes they could walk away unless he pushes harder for an exit. That’s left the player in a difficult spot, reportedly holding emergency meetings with his representatives.
It’s a high-stakes game of poker. And Howe’s right in the middle of it.
Another “challenging summer” for Howe
You’d forgive the Newcastle boss for sounding tired. He’s already lost Isak, Gordon and Tonali in the space of two transfer windows. Now his captain could be next.
“For me, it’s been another challenging summer so far,” Howe said. “We don’t want to lose our best players. That’s an obvious statement to make. Losing those big two is painful for us and difficult.”
Since then Newcastle have been spending, too. Nick Woltemade arrived in a club-record £64m deal last summer, and several other signings have come through the door. But replacing a player like Guimaraes — the emotional heartbeat of the squad, the man who wept tears of joy lifting the Carabao Cup — isn’t a simple transaction.
Arsenal, for their part, aren’t standing still. They’ve already signed Illan Meslier and Christos Tzolis this summer, with Piero Hincapie’s loan made permanent. Reports also link them with Vinicius Junior, Julian Alvarez, and defender Ezri Konsa as Mikel Arteta reshapes his squad.
But Guimaraes remains the priority midfield target. Arsenal want someone to share the creative burden with Declan Rice — a player who can operate as both a No. 6 and No. 8.
The clock’s ticking. Guimaraes returns to training in less than a week. What happens when he walks back through those doors at Newcastle’s training ground will tell us everything.
Will he buckle down like the professional Howe believes he is? Or will the pull of Arsenal and Champions League football prove too strong?
One thing’s clear: Newcastle can’t afford another Isak-level meltdown. And Howe knows it.
