Arsenal will now have to seriously consider alternative transfer targets after Newcastle United have made their stance on one player clear.
Arsenal are keen to add to their midfield contingent in the upcoming summer transfer window.
With Mohamed Elneny leaving the Emirates Stadium, Jorginho in the twilight years of his career, and a strong argument that Arsenal ought to move on from Thomas Partey, there is certainly a need to add fresh blood in the middle of the park.
Mikel Arteta is known to be an admirer of Bruno Guimaraes. Arsenal have been linked with a move for the Newcastle United star, who has a £100 million release clause.
Arsenal learn Newcastle United plan for Bruno Guimaraes
However, in order to get their hands on the Brazilian, the Gunners will need to pay that release clause in full. As reported by TBR Football, Newcastle United have told Guimaraes and his representatives that he will not be sold for any less than his release clause value.
Whilst Arsenal have spent such a sum on a midfielder in the past – they shelled out a club-record £105 million fee to secure the services of Declan Rice last summer. However, it is unlikely that they will part with such a huge sum to sign Guimaraes this time around, as the club also need to invest in other areas of the squad.
Mikel Arteta must pivot to other Arsenal midfield targets to support Declan Rice
As such, Arteta may well now pivot to alternative midfield targets. Arsenal are known to hold an interest in Martin Zubimendi. The Real Sociedad star has a £52 million release clause, so could be brought to North London for almost half the price of Guimaraes.
Arteta is also keen on Douglas Luiz. However, Aston Villa are likely to be reluctant to part with the Brazilian, having secured Champions League qualification for next season.
Amadou Onana has also been linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium. The Belgian star has rough edges in his game, but would be an exciting addition to Arteta’s squad. He is a powerful midfield presence, reads the game well, and would add physicality and defensive security to the Arsenal squad.
The most important thing is for Arsenal to sign a midfielder who can complement Rice. The former West Ham United man has shown that he can have an impact at both ends of the pitch. He can play in a more advanced role, or at the base of the midfield trio protecting the defensive line. A similarly versatile addition to the Gunners’ midfield contingent would allow for Arteta to make use of Rice’s flexibility.