Newcastle United reportedly believe they have a good idea where Bruno Guimaraes will end up this summer, with Arsenal not the club the Magpies have in mind.
The £100m-rated Brazilian international has been linked with a move to the Gunners for quite some time, with Arsenal interested in signing a top-class midfielder to complete the trio in the park alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.
Whilst the likes of Douglas Luiz have also been rumoured with a switch to north London, Guimaraes has seemingly been the established favourite to join Arsenal this summer, especially with Newcastle in a position where they have to sell to meet comply with PSR.
Yet the Toon now think Guimaraes is more likely to join another team than Arsenal this summer.
Newcastle predict Guimaraes to join Manchester City over Arsenal
According to the Northern Echo, Newcastle predict Guimaraes to sign for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side over Arsenal, with the midfielder’s future expected to be resolved at the end of the month.
As per the report, Newcastle officials regard the reigning Premier League champions as the most likely suitor for Guimaraes despite interest from Arsenal and French giants PSG, who are keen to bring the 26-year-old back to Ligue 1.
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Indeed, City are also keen to add to their midfield this summer following the failed signing of Matheus Nunes and Kalvin Phillips’ likely departure from the Etihad Stadium, with Guimaraes a prime target for the Manchester side.
And for Arsenal, their pursuit to sign Guimaraes could now be over before it’s even had a chance to begin, with City’s financial strength something the Gunners simply can’t match in this current market.
Arsenal need to think of a plan B for Guimaraes this month
Guimaraes’ £100m release clause was always going to attract a club with deep pockets this summer, and for Arsenal, City emerging as the most likely suitor for the Brazilian will sting greatly if a deal goes through.
However, the north London side can’t afford to dwell on missing out on Guimaraes, with midfield a position that needs addressing this summer as the clock is now starting to tick for Arsenal.
There are plenty of options out there in the market that Arsenal could look to as alternatives to Guimaraes, and if the Gunners are smart, they will act in haste to wrap up a signing to get over the Newcastle man.