Bruno ‘conflicted’ at forcing Arsenal move on Newcastle
Bruno Guimaraes is keen to move to Arsenal this summer but is unsure whether to try to force his way out of Newcastle.
The Brazilian midfielder is aware the club do not want to sell him and Telegraph Sport has spoken to several sources at Newcastle who are adamant they have not had any contact with Arsenal since the London club’s interest was leaked to the media this month.
Contrary to claims from agents, who are trying to act as intermediaries in the transfer, Newcastle have also not rejected a verbal offer from Arsenal.
As things stand, their view is that this is an agent-led attempt to unsettle their captain, who has been badly hurt by Brazil’s early exit from the World Cup.
Bruno missed a penalty in their last-16 defeat by Norway and has been a target for criticism in his homeland. He is feeling bruised, extremely emotional and realises his club career is at a crossroads.
The 28-year-old would like to join Arsenal and his state of mind has been described as “conflicted” on how to proceed.
This is probably his last chance to secure a big-money move to a team competing for silverware every season, but his affection for Newcastle is genuine and he does not want to tarnish his legacy at St James’ Park.
Bruno was a vehement critic of Alexander Isak last summer when the Sweden international forced his exit. The former Lyon midfielder was furious when his team-mate went on strike in order to persuade Newcastle to sell him to Liverpool against their wishes and had to be talked out of a physical confrontation with the striker.
However, Bruno now finds himself in an identical situation where he knows there is interest from one of Europe’s elite clubs and can secure a huge increase on his £200,000-a-week wages if he signs for Arsenal.
He does not want to follow Isak’s path, but has also made it known he would be keen to leave if a price can be agreed with Arsenal.
Newcastle are adamant they do not want to sell their star player having already lost Isak, Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali in the last 11 months. They have described suggestions they would be willing to accept an offer of around £60m as “farcical” and believe the player would accept their decision to reject any bids of that size.
Privately, there is shock that a club of Arsenal’s reputation and stature would not have informed them of their interest club-to-club, given the torrent of media reports linking them with the player. It is thought Arsenal have always doubted they would be able to get the player this summer for a fee they are willing to pay.
The midfielder will turn 29 this year but given his importance to Newcastle, the asking price would be similar to the £100m Tottenham Hotspur paid for Tonali last week.
Losing their talisman will concern and anger Newcastle supporters, who have reluctantly accepted that the club is not in a strong enough financial position to resist large bids for their best players.
However, Bruno is by far their most important and popular player, and selling him would call the entire project under their Saudi Arabian owners into question.