- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Amid interest from Arsenal, Manchester City and Paris Saint Germain, Bruno Guimaraes’ Newcastle United future is far from certain – at least until the end of June.
Guimaraes has a £100m release-clause active until the end of next month, a clause included in the new contract the Brazilian signed last year to make him the club’s highest paid player.
And in a summer in which another Newcastle star, Alexander Isak, is also attracting interest, the club’s resolve could be tested.
That being said, TBR Football understands that Newcastle have now confirmed to Guimaraes’ representatives in the last few weeks that he won’t be sold this summer – the only way he could leave is if somebody meets the release clause mentioned.
The Brazilian’s release clause is active up until June 30th, but not beyond.
Whilst Newcastle can’t stop interested clubs bidding, or even talking to Guimaraes’ people about the clause, Eddie Howe’s side have no intention of letting him leave, if they can help it.
PSG could still activate Bruno Guimaraes’ release clause even if Arsenal don’t
Amid interest fromArsenal, Newcastle are confident of keeping Guimaraes beyond the summer, even if he is not happy without European football.
The same is true of teammate Isak, but Newcastle believe that both players will afford them another chance to prove their credentials as a Champions League club.
In terms of Bruno’s future, Newcastle’s biggest worry could still be interest from Paris Saint-Germain.
The French giants are a real danger in respect of his release-clause, as if they do make an approach there’s nothing stopping them from paying the full £100m.
Alexander Isak’s future to be resolved with a new long-term deal
Although Isak is similarly disappointed to miss out on European football as mentioned, the Sweden international’s future is set to be resolved by a new long-term deal.
TBR understands that Arsenal and Man City are admirers but whether they are willing to spend such amounts this summer remains to be seen.
It was recently reported that Isak could cost up to £171m to interested clubs, a price tag clearly intended to wade off any interest.
And although Newcastle are confident on the Isak front, they do have some worries about rival interest.
So from an Arsenal point of view, it almost seems as if it’s a case of paying Guimaraes’ release clause or bust this summer.
A move for Isak is surely off of the cards given the information shared, a deal that would probably be deemed to expensive by any club in Europe.
This will undoubtedly be music to the ears of Newcastle United fans, who will be incredibly excited to see just how much a fully fit squad can improve next season – should the aforementioned stars stay.
That being said, Newcastle are thought to be eyeing an audacious Premier League move of their own.