Newcastle United have voiced clear irritation with Arsenal’s handling of their pursuit of Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimarães, according to Sky Sports News North East correspondent Keith Downie. Downie, who estimates the player’s market value to be in excess of £80 million, says the Magpies feel they are being kept in the dark while the Gunners probe the possibility of a deal through third parties rather than engaging directly with the club. Guimarães, who has reportedly informed Newcastle that he wishes to join Arsenal this summer, remains technically under contract with the north‑east side. However Downie points out that, contrary to circulating rumours, Arsenal have not yet made a formal approach to Newcastle’s hierarchy.
Instead, the London club appears to be testing the waters via agents and intermediaries, a tactic that has left the Magpies uneasy about the sincerity of Arsenal’s interest. “The stories about Bruno Guimarães are not disappearing,” Downie told Sky Sports News. “The main reason is that he has told Newcastle he wants to explore a move away, and specifically a move to Arsenal.” He added that the Brazilian is ambitious and wants to win major trophies, not merely add another domestic cup to his résumé. "He doesn’t want to finish his career having only a Carabao Cup and perhaps another cup with Newcastle," Downie said.
Newcastle, who have already cashed in on a £100 million sale of Sandro Tonali to Tottenham, are keen to retain their captain and have not invited any offers for him. Downie explained that the club has actually reached out to Arsenal, asking, “Are you serious about this?
Have you made any concrete bid?” He suggested that the current negotiations are being conducted largely behind the scenes by agents, which is unsettling for both the club and the player. The Magpies are currently navigating a busy transfer window. They recently sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £69.3 million and have invested a combined £83.5 million in new signings such as Bazoumana Touare, Sean Steur and Ewan Jaouen. In contrast, Arsenal have yet to announce any significant arrivals.
Their target, Morgan Rogers, shockingly opted for Chelsea after leaving Aston Villa, and their interest in Guimarães remains informal. Downie predicts the saga will continue: “It feels like it’s going to rumble on.” He speculated that a decisive factor could be the price Arsenal are willing to put on the table. "Guimarães will be 29 soon.
Newcastle got £100 million for Tonali, but Bruno is three years older, so his valuation is a bit lower. The club is desperate not to sell him, but once a player signals a desire to leave, it becomes very hard to keep him." According to Sky Sports’ Nick Wright, Guimarães brings leadership, experience, physical robustness and a well‑rounded midfield skill set, making him an enticing prospect for a side that wants to build on last season’s success and re‑establish dominance in the Premier League. The Brazilian has featured in 195 matches across all competitions for Newcastle, netting 31 goals, and has represented Brazil at the World Cup, underscoring his pedigree. In summary, Newcastle’s frustration stems from Arsenal’s indirect approach and the lack of a clear, official offer.
The Magpies have signalled they are not looking to part with their captain without a substantial fee, while Arsenal must decide whether to present a genuine, transparent proposal or risk losing the chance to sign a player who could bolster their midfield ambitions. The next few weeks will likely determine whether the two clubs can bridge the gap or if Guimarães will explore other options elsewhere, potentially reshaping the transfer landscape for both teams.