Arsenal’s hopes of a transfer switch for Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes may have been dented by his latest stance on a move.
The Gunners have been heavily rumoured to be interested in landing a midfield player that will bolster their squad in the summer transfer window.
Reports have claimed that Arsenal have made contact with Everton over a transfer for defensive midfielder Amadou Onana this summer, though those are only exploratory talks so far.
It comes just one year on from Mikel Arteta breaking the club’s record transfer fee to land Declan Rice from West Ham, before splashing the cash again to sign Kai Havertz from rivals Chelsea.
While the former settled into the midfield, the latter was eventually pushed to centre-forward as the composition of the central ranks changed again.
That leaves the Arsenal boss with a gap to fill in midfield still, leading to plenty of links with a move for Bruno Guimaraes.
However, the Brazilian may be less keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium after his latest transfer admission.
Bruno Guimaraes reveals transfer stance
While away on international duty with Brazil for the Copa America, Guimaraes discussed his future at Newcastle with TNT Sports Brasil.
The midfielder revealed: “I have a contract with Newcastle. I’m very happy, as I said, I know how much they like me, I know everything I’ve been doing for the club.
“In short, I have a contract, I’m happy. I don’t know what can happen, we know everything about Financial Fair Play, but what I can say is that I feel happy. It’s obviously very nice to be associated with big clubs.
“It indicates that I’m performing well, but I’m not concerned about it, as I said, I’m happy at the club.
“I’m very happy, so let’s see what happens. I’m not in any hurry, I’m happy, and it’s up to God, let’s see what happens.”
While the Newcastle star has stopped short of denying a transfer switch, he has seemingly looked to silence the rumours.
For Arsenal, it may come as a blow to their transfer plans, with the need for some alternatives.
Bruno Guimaraes transfer alternatives for Arsenal
Finding an alternative to Guimaraes could be tough for Arsenal as he has such a unique mixture of skills that make him such a useful asset.
In terms of his playing style, the 26-year-old can play as a deep-lying playmaker, a box-to-box threat and an attacking midfielder.
Guimaraes’ quality on the ball makes him a threat in possession, but his tireless running and physicality add some edge to his game out of possession.
So with that being the brief, let’s look at three alternatives that could fit some of these roles.
Martin Zubimendi
One option that has been heavily linked with Arsenal is a move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
The Spanish international could fit the bill in the deep-lying playmaker role, consistently showing his ability to receive the ball from his defensive backline and progressing it forward.
The 25-year-old could be an ideal partner for Declan Rice, who has often struggled to receive the ball when facing his own defenders.
Zubimendi has a release clause worth £52million in his current deal with Real Sociedad that could allow for a swift deal.
Curtis Jones
If Arsenal are looking to add a box-to-box midfield presence then they could look to land Liverpool’s Curtis Jones.
At just 23 years old, the midfielder has shown an ability to be positive and direct in everything he does in possession.
Off the ball, the England international possesses plenty of defensive awareness as well as an engine that keeps him pressing with high intensity.
While Jones could improve on his goal contributions, and with a contract at Anfield running until 2027 likely to increase his price tag, there is still an option there to land an impressive option for the present and the future.
Conor Gallagher
Perhaps the player most similar to Guimaraes in the Premier League is Chelsea and England midfielder Conor Gallagher.
The 24-year-old is more than capable of playing as a deep-lying midfielder, in a box-to-box role or a more advanced position.
Gallagher’s most notable attribute is his physical engine and his stamina, often hounding opponents until he wins the ball back.
That isn’t to downplay his ability as a playmaker and a goal scorer, as he has shown on plenty of occasions that he has quality on the ball too.
With just one year left on his deal at Stamford Bridge, a deal could be on the cards for a signing that would bolster the midfield ranks.