Newcastle declare Bruno Guimaraes 'not for sale' as Arsenal weigh £100m approach

Newcastle United have declared captain Bruno Guimaraes unavailable for transfer, sources have told The Chronicle, delivering a firm early response to reports that Arsenal are preparing to approach the club for the Brazil international.

Guimaraes, 28, caught fresh attention after registering two assists in Brazil’s 3-0 win over Scotland on international duty. Reports of Arsenal’s interest followed quickly, though sources close to the Gunners indicate no formal enquiry has yet been made and that the club would need additional financial backing to fund a deal for a player whose previous minimum release clause stood at £100m in 2024.

The Daily Mail reported that Arsenal had already held preliminary talks with the player’s agent, though Newcastle have received neither an official approach nor a concrete bid. Despite reported interest from Manchester City in the past, no offer close to that £100m figure ever materialised.

Guimaraes is contracted at St James’ Park until 2028, but he departed for the World Cup with Brazil without signing a new deal, and there is no indication that fresh terms are being discussed. Newcastle are aware that the swirling speculation has unsettled their fanbase, yet their position remains unchanged.

Head coach Eddie Howe has previously spoken in glowing terms about the midfielder’s impact since joining from Lyon. “He has been an incredible signing,” Howe said earlier this year. “From the day that he turned up in his suit, when he showed great respect for the moment in his career, I thought, ‘He’s a good person’ and he’s gone on to great things.”

Guimaraes himself has been candid about Newcastle’s slide from fifth to 12th in the Premier League last season, and has called for reinforcements ahead of a campaign that will include European competition. “I think for next season, we are going to need more players to be honest with you, because I think the squad is a little bit short,” he said in March. “We need to improve of course but we’re very, very happy.”

Whether Arsenal can construct an offer substantial enough to shift Newcastle’s stance remains the central question heading into the summer window.