Arsenal have been dealt a blow as one of their big summer transfer targets prefers a move to Manchester City instead.
The Gunners have gone toe-to-toe with Pep Guardiola’s side for two consecutive seasons in the Premier League. They fell five points short in the 2022/23 campaign and finished two behind last term.
Arsenal need reinforcements to pip Manchester City to the league title, which is why Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar are hard at work ahead of this summer’s transfer window.
Bruno Guimaraes makes transfer decision after Arsenal and Manchester City links
Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes is expected to be a wanted man this summer.
The Brazilian joined the Magpies in January 2022 and has since been one of their best players. He has made a fantastic name for himself in the Premier League.
The 26-year-old scored seven goals and provided 10 assists for Newcastle last season, and that seems to have impressed many clubs.
Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move to sign Guimaraes from Newcastle this summer.
Arteta’s side need reinforcements in the middle of the park. Declan Rice has done well there, but if they sign the ‘world-class‘ Guimaraes, the two midfielders can form a sensational partnership together.
However, there is a problem for Arsenal now.
GiveMeSport have revealed that Guimaraes has made Manchester City his ‘first-choice destination’ this summer if he was to leave Newcastle United.
What’s more is that the champions are not put off by the former Lyon man’s £100 million release clause. Arsenal, on the other hand, will not pay that figure.
So, as things stand, Manchester City are the favourites to sign Guimaraes if he leaves Newcastle.
Exclusive: What Newcastle have told Bruno Guimaraes behind the scenes amid Arsenal interest
Three midfielders Arsenal could sign if Guimaraes goes to City
Arsenal’s plans for midfield are very flexible this summer thanks to Rice.
The Englishman showed in the 2023/24 season that he can play both as a number six and in a box-to-box role on the left side of Arsenal’s midfield.
So, Arsenal could either sign a defensive midfielder or a number eight this summer.
Guimaraes would’ve been a great option for Arsenal, but if he prefers Manchester City, it will be difficult for the Gunners to change his mind.
So, Arsenal will have to look elsewhere, and they have been linked with a move to sign three other top-class players.
Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich is said to open to a move to Arsenal this summer, and he is a phenomenal player.
Everton’s Amadou Onana is someone Arsenal have enquired about, and the 22-year-old would check a lot of boxes as well for the Gunners.
Another midfielder Arsenal could sign is Douglas Luiz, who has been a long-time target. Aston Villa are said to be open to selling him this summer due to PSR woes.