Arsenal fans have been here before already this summer.
Morgan Rogers wanted to join them. Personal terms were agreed. Arsenal felt the price was too high. Chelsea came in and paid it. Rogers is now at Stamford Bridge.
The Bruno Guimaraes situation hasn’t got to that point yet, but a new development has emerged that should shake the powers that be at the Emirates considerably.
As per The Athletic, Real Madrid are actively working on a deal to sign Rodri from Manchester City.
The 30-year-old Spain captain is reportedly keen on the move, though City are holding out for a contract renewal.
If Rodri leaves, Manchester City will need another midfielder, and they have long admired Guimaraes.
Arsenal have been confident of getting a deal done for the Newcastle midfielder and personal terms are in place.
💰 Bruno Guimaraes is turning 29 in November and has TWO years left on his contract… How much should Arsenal pay to sign him?
The expectation across other Premier League clubs is that he joins Arsenal.
But the Gunners are reportedly reluctant to go above £70–75million, while Newcastle want a fee closer to the £100million they sold Sandro Tonali for.
That gap in valuation could allow Man City to swoop in, just like they did with Jeremy Monga.
Bruno Guimaraes becomes Manchester City’s obvious target if Rodri leaves
Man City losing Rodri might change their midfield priorities completely.
Rather than pursuing a young developmental option like Ayyoub Bouaddi, they may pivot towards a proven, ready-made Premier League midfielder of Guimaraes’ stature.
They have the financial muscle to blow past Arsenal’s offer without blinking, as they have shown with the £116million Elliot Anderson signing.
Arsenal’s dithering has already cost them this summer. First Monga. Then Rogers. It can’t happen again, can it?
It can.
Andrea Berta has operated carefully and methodically but it is August next week and the Premier League champions still haven’t made a marquee addition.
He must now send Newcastle the £80-85million bid and get the Guimaraes deal sorted.
Haggling over a small gap in valuation, at least in this market, could backfire massively, and Arsenal could lose their top target to their direct title rivals. A player who, by every account, is ready to become an Arsenal midfielder.
Just get it done, Andrea.
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