Newcastle brand Bruno Guimarães 'priceless' as Arsenal transfer pursuit hits wall

Newcastle have told Arsenal that Bruno Guimarães is not for sale, dismissing a verbal offer for the Brazilian and describing his value to the club as ‘priceless’, as the Magpies move to tie him down with a new contract.

Arsenal had identified the 28-year-old as a priority target ahead of their Premier League title defence, and Guimarães’ representatives are reported to have held conversations with both clubs. However, head coach Eddie Howe has made clear he has no intention of losing his captain, and Newcastle’s hierarchy have backed that stance firmly.

Despite their confidence, Newcastle are not taking any chances. Having already sold Sandro Tonali to Tottenham in a £100 million deal this summer, the club are drawing up contingency plans should Guimarães’ situation change. Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha has emerged as a target, though Dortmund have set an asking price in excess of £100 million for the Germany international.

Nmecha is also on Manchester United’s radar, with Red Devils director of football Jason Wilcox a known admirer of the player. Wilcox worked closely with Nmecha during the midfielder’s 14-year spell in Manchester City’s academy. Monaco’s Lamine Camara was another name considered by Newcastle, though that avenue now appears to have closed.

Guimarães has been a transformative figure at St James’ Park since joining from Lyon for £40 million in January 2022 — a move that came despite Arsenal’s interest at the time, and which itself followed Lyon pipping the Gunners to his signature two years prior. In 195 appearances for the club, he has established himself as one of the most influential midfielders in the Premier League and was central to Newcastle’s Carabao Cup triumph, their first major domestic trophy in 70 years.

“Newcastle arrived and they got serious. Bruno couldn’t wait another six months to decide his future in a World Cup year,” a source close to the player said at the time of his original move.

With the Guimarães door appearing firmly shut, Arsenal are shifting focus to other areas of the squad. Strengthening the left side of their attack is understood to be a priority, with Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers and PSG winger Bradley Barcola among the names linked to the Emirates.