Newcastle deliver major Bruno Guimaraes twist as Arsenal make medical decision

News

Matthew Judge | Editor

Newcastle United insist they are not in negotiations with Arsenal over the sale of captain Bruno Guimaraes, according to Sky Sports.

The news comes after The Times reported on Saturday evening that Arsenal were hoping Guimaraes would undergo a medical with them on Monday.

However, Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie understands Newcastle are “puzzled” by speculation claiming the two clubs are in formal discussions.

STATS

Bruno Guimarães

M, DM (C)

Newcastle

Bruno Guimarães

M, DM (C)

Newcastle

All Tournaments

2025/26

• 41

  Games

• 9

  Goals

• 7

  Assists

View all stats

While Newcastle are braced to receive an offer from Arsenal for Guimaraes, talks have mostly taken place through intermediaries, according to Downie.

Premier League champions Arsenal believe they are close to agreeing a deal worth up to €93.5m (£80m) for Brazil international Guimaraes, say The Times.

Arsenal make Guimaraes top target in search for new midfielder

Arsenal have been linked with a host of midfielders as they look to bolster Mikel Arteta’s options ahead of the 2026-27 Premier League season.

Widespread reports understand Arsenal held interest in Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali before deeming both players to be too expensive.

Fernandes and Tonali have since joined Arsenal’s fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur for €99m (£85m) and €117m (£100m) respectively.

Various sources understand Arsenal have also considered the merits of Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi and Bournemouth ace Alex Scott.

Arsenal have since made Guimaraes their top midfield target and BBC Sport claims the 28-year-old has told Newcastle he wants to join Arteta’s side.

The north London club want to reduce the workload on Declan Rice by signing Guimaraes, who - like the England star - can play as a No. 6 and a No. 8.

Guimaraes would be third major sale by Newcastle this summer

Guimaraes has developed a reputation as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League since joining Newcastle from Lyon in January 2022.

He has scored 31 goals in 195 appearances for the Magpies and helped them win their first domestic trophy for 70 years with victory over Liverpool in the 2025 Carabao Cup final.

Guimaraes also represented Brazil at this summer’s World Cup, recording four assists in five games for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

Should Guimaraes leave Newcastle, it would be the third major sale sanctioned by the Toon this summer.

Before Tonali moved to Spurs, England winger Anthony Gordon joined La Liga giants Barcelona in an €80m (£70m) deal in May.

Newcastle are also in the process of changing their manager after Eddie Howe officially stepped down on Friday.

The Athletic understands Al-Ahli head coach Matthias Jaissle is set to replace Howe, who resigned after nearly five years in charge of Newcastle.