Journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed whether Manchester City or Arsenal are likelier to trigger Bruno Guimaraes’ £100 million release clause.
On Wednesday, it was claimed that the Newcastle United talisman’s release clause will remain active until June 24.
The report claimed that apart from Manchester City and Arsenal, Liverpool were also interested in securing Bruno Guimaraes’ services this summer.
Ben Jacobs reveals where Man City or Arsenal are likelier to trigger Bruno Guimaraes release clause
Both clubs might require reinforcements in midfield, withCity yet to replace Ilkay Gundogan and the Gunners lacking a world-class left-sided midfielder.
With Mikel Arteta’s project booming at the Emirates Stadium, they pose a threat to the Sky Blues in the pursuit of the Brazilian in the transfer market once again this summer.
Initially, Ben Jacobs gave his insight about Manchester City looking likelier to land Bruno Guimaraes than Arsenal — especially due to the latest developments surrounding Lucas Paqueta.
On Bhavss14’s YouTube channel, he said: “I’m told the opposite on Bruno Guimaraes that Arsenal reached out and the feeling is that Manchester City are going to be the club to make a move and maybe even more likely now because Lucas Paqueta’s charges.”
“Whilst that’s dealt with, the move is off the table to Manchester City. We know there’s going to be interest in Bernardo Silva, it might be this summer, there’s a release clause there.”
“Manchester City, if it is to be a Premier League club, I understand will be very much in the conversation for Bruno Guimaraes.”
Ben Jacobs went on to claim that Manchester City are likelier to trigger Bruno Guimaraes’ release clause than Arsenal.
“My feeling with Guimaraes is that Manchester City are more likely to be more audacious and trigger the clause or match the clause with a different clause.”
“Whereas I’ve always been told with Arsenal, if they move for Bruno Guimaraes, it won’t be at or triggering the release clause. They’ll wait, it will lapse and they’ll come in lower than the release clause.”
Jacobs added: “There is still a feeling in the industry which might still be good news for Arsenal that £80 million plus might start a conversation with Bruno Guimaraes.”
“Especially if we get into the second half of the window, the formal release clause has lapsed as a result and Newcastle still need funds, that’s when you should watch Arsenal.”
“Keep an eye still on Guimaraes if it gets to the second half of the window but don’t be surprised if Manchester City try a powerplay on that one and Arsenal back off.”
Manchester City could exact revenge for Declan Rice deal
After losing out to Arsenal on Declan Rice’s signature, Manchester City are perhaps unprepared to do so in Bruno Guimaraes’ case.
Much like Rice, Guimaraes is a gem of a player, blessed in both technical and athletic terms.
While City had a successful season, in our view, they would have been even tougher to beat had they signed the Englishman — judging by his instant impact in an Arsenal shirt.
This time around, the Sky Blues might not accept missing out on Guimaraes to any club and would rather pay a lofty fee just to ensure he plays his football at the Etihad Stadium next season.