Newcastle United have voiced clear frustration with Arsenal’s ongoing pursuit of Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimarês, according to Sky Sports News North East correspondent Keith Downie. Downie believes the player’s market value could exceed £80 million, a figure that adds weight to the club’s unease.
Guimarês has reportedly informed Newcastle that he wishes to join Arsenal in the upcoming summer window. However, Downie insists that, contrary to circulating rumours, the Gunners have not yet approached Newcastle directly. Instead, Arsenal have been probing the terms of a possible deal through intermediaries, a tactic that has left the Magpies feeling uncertain about the seriousness of the English champions' intentions.
The Sky Sports reporter expects the saga to drag on, emphasizing that Newcastle have no desire to part with their captain. The club has already demonstrated a willingness to sell high‑profile assets, having offloaded Sandro Tonali to Tottenham for a reported £100 million, yet they have made it clear that Guimarês is not on the market. "The stories about Bruno Guimarês are not disappearing," Downie told Sky Sports News. "The main reason is that he has told Newcastle he wants to explore a move away, specifically to Arsenal.
He is ambitious, wants to win trophies, and does not want to finish his career with only a Carabao Cup – perhaps another cup with Newcastle – on his résumé." Downie added that the midfielder’s desire for silverware drives his interest in a club capable of competing for the Premier League title. "Newcastle aren’t going to win the Premier League. He wants to win titles and have the chance to do that.
Arsenal need to come to the table and show Newcastle the colour of their money," he said. According to Downie, there have been reports of Arsenal making bids via third parties, but as of the morning of the interview, no direct contact had been made. He explained that Newcastle have even reached out to Arsenal, asking, "Are you serious about this?
Have you tried to sign the player because we haven’t heard from you?" The situation, he noted, is being played out through agents, creating frustration for the Magpies and unsettling the player, which is why Guimarês is keen to explore his options elsewhere. The club is currently navigating a busy transfer period. Earlier this summer they sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £69.3 million and secured £100 million for Tonali. At the same time, Newcastle have invested a combined £83.5 million in newcomers Bazoumana Toure, Sean Steur and Ewen Jaouen, indicating a strategy of reinvestment rather than off‑loading talent indiscriminately.
Arsenal, by contrast, have yet to complete any major acquisitions. Their target Morgan Rogers shockingly chose Chelsea over the Gunners, and the interest in Guimarês remains unformalised.
Newcastle, who bought Guimarês for £40 million in 2022, are determined to secure a substantial profit on the deal. "It feels like it’s going to rumble on," Downie remarked. "What would be the tipping point for Newcastle? He’s about to turn 29.
They got £100 million for Tonali, but Bruno is three years older, so his value is a little less. Newcastle are desperate not to sell him. They’ve said he’s not for sale.
But once a player agitates to go, it’s really difficult to hold on to him." Downie stressed that Arsenal must present a concrete, direct offer rather than relying on middle‑men if they hope to be taken seriously. "Arsenal need to come to the table and offer, and only then will Newcastle take their interest seriously, once they make a concrete offer, not via any middle‑men," he said. Guimarés, a World Cup veteran for Brazil, has amassed 195 appearances across all competitions for Newcastle, contributing 31 goals from midfield. His blend of leadership, experience, physical robustness and a well‑rounded midfield skill set makes him an appealing target for a club like Arsenal, who are eager to convert last season's success into sustained dominance, according to Sky Sports analyst Nick Wright.
In summary, Newcastle remain firm on their stance: they are not prepared to sell their captain without a substantial, transparent bid from Arsenal. The ongoing negotiations, mediated largely by agents, continue to generate uncertainty for both clubs and the player himself, with the final outcome likely to hinge on Arsenal's willingness to engage directly and meet Newcastle's valuation expectations.