A journalist has today provided some information about the current transfer chase for Bruno Guimaraes, with both Manchester City and Arsenal both having been linked.
Guimaraes‘ future has been the subject of speculation now for a number of months.
The Brazilian has become one of the top midfielders in the Premier League since joining Newcastle United from Lyon.
City became linked with the 26-year-old, and the speculation has intensified since the news of Lucas Paqueta getting charged by the FA for misconduct for alleged breaches of FA Rules E5 and F3.
City had been expected to try and push for Paqueta this summer. But that is now out the window, and it’s been suggested Guimaraes could be the new top target.
Journalist Ben Jacobs has recently shared what he knows of the situation.
Manchester City more likely to sign Bruno Guimaraes than Arsenal
Guimaraes has a release clause in his contract worth around £100 million.
That clause will not be active for much longer, but there is still a chance that Newcastle could offload the South American as they are contending with FFP issues at the moment.
The Magpies are going to have to sell a big name to alleviate some of the pressure, and City have been tipped to come in for Guimaraes.
Journalist Ben Jacobs has been speaking about Guimaraes and the potential for him to leave this summer. He has addressed the interest from City and Arsenal and for him, it’s City who are the most likely to land him out of the two.
He said in a video on The Football Terrace, when asked about Arsenal potentially swooping: “I think with Guimaraes it’s more Man City at the moment. Arsenal have got no intention of triggering the release clause to my knowledge.
“Let’s see if clubs can capitalise on Newcastle’s financial situation. People are wrongly presuming it’s just clause, it expires remember and after that the door is shut and he’s staying at Newcastle. But that’s not my understanding. My understanding is that the clause will be used as a ‘take it or leave it’ at this point.
“If the clause expires and as the window progresses Newcastle still need money, then they may have to consider offers for Bruno Guimaraes. There are other players they can see but to my knowledge they won’t sell Sven Botman or Alexander Isak. Isak is the most untouchable player in the club.
Jacobs then speaks about Newcastle’s desire to bring players in, such as James Trafford and Michael Olise.
The club need to raise funds, and Jacobs suggests the likes of Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron could be sold. But he adds it would be better for them to sell one player for big money.
He added: “Let me be clear, as long as there’s a release clause there’s a possibility of an exit. Guimaraes is happy and Eddie Howe has said he wants to keep the player. In midfield they’ve got Joelinton who can play there, Sandro Tonali coming back from his ban, Elliot Anderson and Lewis Miley.
My understanding is that Arsenal are not going to trigger the clause, but if a deal becomes available around £80 million then at the right structure they might consider it.
“But it’s more Man City. If City could get Guimaraes £20 million below his clause later in the window, that’s a deal that they might consider. Keep an eye on Man City.”
Encouraging comments
Anything can happen in a transfer in window, but for the moment it does sound as though Guimaraes is more likely to head to City than he is to join Arsenal.
Jacobs suggests that Newcastle might just reach a point where they decided selling Guimaraes would be the most sensible way to raise the funds they need.
While he would be a big loss, they’ve got players who can step into the position he plays.
It would be fantastic to see Guimaraes come to City this summer, because he has undoubtedly become a top Premier League midfielder over the last couple of years.
Newcastle fans adore him for his technical quality and work-rate – which are two attributes Pep Guardiola values very highly.
