Arsenal have been linked with several midfielders ahead of the summer transfer window including Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes, but a deal would be difficult.
Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar have been long-term admirers of the Brazilian, who was linked with a move to Arsenal before he joined Newcastle in 2022.
Arsenal were aware of Bruno during his Lyon days, but never made a bid before Eddie Howe secured his signature, and he has since thrived in the Premier League.
The Gunners are keen to add a defensive midfielder to complement Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, but journalist David Ornstein has now shared several reasons why Bruno may not be the one to target this summer.
Bruno Guimaraes deal could be too difficult for Arsenal
In a Q&A for The Athletic, Ornstein explained that whilst Arsenal are interested in the midfielder, his £100m release clause could make any deal very difficult.
“Arsenal really like Bruno as an option if they are to recruit a No.6. He can also operate at No.8 – but Newcastle, Arsenal and others view him as a No.6,” he stated of Bruno’s positional fit.
“Bruno has a £100m release clause (with activation dates, as has been reported). I’m not sure if Arsenal or anyone else will want / be able to pay that level of money for him, although there are always other solutions that can be explored to try to make such a signing possible.
“Newcastle, however, do not want to lose him. I doubt they would welcome interest for below the clause value; unless their PSR situation dictates they have to and the required finance can’t be raised through alternative means. But the fact there is a clause dictates they are not fully in control of this situation. Bruno seems extremely happy at Newcastle and that works in their favour.”
Would Bruno Guimaraes push for a move to Arsenal?
Arsenal’s best chance of landing Bruno would be if he pushes for an exit after his release clause expires, and Newcastle are still in need of a big sale to balance the books.
Ornstein has explained that whilst Bruno is happy at Newcastle, if Arsenal do register strong interest in him, it would be hard to turn down.
READ MORE: Arsenal’s 25 most expensive transfers and record signings of all time
“There are few players who would decline a move to a club like Arsenal – especially given what is happening there at the moment – should the clubs pursue a deal,” he added.
It therefore seems that Bruno is unlikely to end up at the Emirates this summer, and Arsenal should turn their attention elsewhere.