Arsenal now face a frantic race against the clock if they are to seal a deal for Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes.
Arsenal need to add depth to their midfield contingent in this summer transfer window.
Mohamed Elneny has already left the Emirates Stadium, and Jorginho can no longer start matches week in, week out at this late stage in his career.
On top of that, Arsenal are also keen to move on Thomas Partey this summer. His exit would leave a dearth of support for Declan Rice in the middle of the park.
Mikel Arteta must now source a partner for the former West Ham United man. Arsenal are thought to be keen on Amadou Onana. The Everton midfielder is currently impressing for Belgium at Euro 2024.
However, there is another target who has been linked with a switch to North London. The Gunners will now have to act incredibly fast if they are to secure his services though.
Arsenal must act now to trigger Bruno Guimaraes clause
Arsenal are known to hold an interest in Bruno Guimaraes, who has a £100 million release clause included in his current contract with Newcastle United.
The Brazilian is a key player for the Magpies, and they would be reluctant to let him leave St James’ Park, but would be unable to stand in his way should the Gunners activate that release clause.
Arteta is thought to be willing to sacrifice a number of Arsenal players in order to sign Guimaraes, but time is now very much a pressing concern, making a complicated deal including player swaps all but impossible.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, reporting on X, Guimaraes’ release clause expires at 23:59pm UK time tonight (24/06/2024). At the time of writing, that gives the Gunners just over 12 hours to stump up the necessary cash.
Can Arsenal sign Guimaraes this summer?
Realistically, there is no chance of Arsenal triggering that release clause before the deadline. However, that does not mean that the prospect of the club signing the 26-year-old is necessarily dead in the water.
Newcastle may still be forced to consider offers for the 22-cap Brazil international, as they could have to raise funds in order to comply with Premier League spending rules.
Arsenal certainly shouldn’t give up on a chase for Guimaraes, as he would be the ideal to complement to Rice at the Emirates Stadium.
Like the England star, he can operate as both a No. 6 and as a No. 8, meaning that they could provide cover for one another, and rotate and interchange roles within matches.