Bruno Guimaraes wants to join Arsenal.
Newcastle are astonished that he has made his feelings known without Arsenal having made a formal offer.
Broad personal terms with Arsenal are already understood to be in place, with his agents, including Kia Joorabchian, all working to make the move happen.
The question many fans may have now is whether Guimaraes would take things further and go on strike in the manner Alexander Isak did to force his move to Liverpool last summer.
Bruno Guimaraes posted this video about Arsenal in 2022. Do you still want to sign him?
According to Ben Jacobs, speaking to talkSPORT, the answer is no.
Ben Jacobs reveals Bruno Guimaraes will handle Arsenal move respectfully
“I don’t think we’re in Alexander Isak territory here where the player is going to refuse to return or be part of pre-season,” Jacobs said.
“It’s far more respectful because Guimaraes has an excellent relationship with Newcastle United as a football club and a fanbase, but he has respectfully told the club he would like the move.
“My understanding is broad terms with Arsenal are already in place. Now, Newcastle United’s stance is not for sale, and they deny any direct formal contact.”
Isak famously refused to report for pre-season, which forced Newcastle’s hand and accelerated Liverpool’s move late in the window.
Guimaraes is expected to take a different approach as he wants to maintain the goodwill of the club and fanbase he clearly has an affection for.
But that approach may make any deal with Arsenal slower, or even prevent it from happening at all.
💰 Bruno Guimaraes is turning 29 in November and has TWO years left on his contract… How much should Arsenal pay to sign him?
Newcastle are under no financial pressure to sell having already received £100million for Sandro Tonali and £69million for Anthony Gordon.
Arsenal have reportedly had two verbal offers rejected but have yet to place a formal bid. They do remain confident the pieces are falling into place and that a deal can be done, though.
The player wants the move, but Arsenal need to make it official, and the sooner they do, the sooner Newcastle have a decision to make.
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