Arsenal face major setback in Bruno Guimarães pursuit as Newcastle stand firm

Arsenal’s hopes of landing Bruno Guimarães this summer have taken a serious hit, with Newcastle United making it abundantly clear the Brazilian midfielder is not available at any price. According to The Chronicle, the Magpies are growing increasingly frustrated by the speculation linking their captain with a move to the Emirates. While the report suggests Arsenal have been pushing hard for Guimarães after learning he wants to leave St. James’ Park, Newcastle have received no formal contact from the Gunners and have no intention of sanctioning a sale. The north London club were said to be willing to pay around €70 million (£60m) for the 28-year-old, having expressed that figure through his representatives. However, Newcastle officials are reportedly annoyed that a specific fee has been thrown around in public, insisting no valuation has been placed on the player. Guimarães still has two years left on his current deal. Since arriving from Lyon in January 2022, he has become one of the Premier League’s most complete midfielders, scoring 31 goals in 195 appearances and helping Newcastle end a 70-year trophy drought by beating Liverpool in the 2025 Carabao Cup final. Arsenal, who won the Premier League title last season, are desperate to reinforce their midfield ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. insider sources reports that Mikel Arteta wants to ease the burden on Declan Rice, who played 55 times for the club last season and featured in five of England’s six matches at the 2026 World Cup this summer. The Gunners are looking for a versatile midfielder capable of playing both as a No. 6 and a No. 8 — a profile Guimarães fits perfectly. Meanwhile, Arsenal have also been linked with Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi, but insider sources understands Manchester City are leading the race for the 18-year-old Morocco international. Bouaddi’s price tag may have risen to €100 million (£85m) following the recent big-money moves of Sandro Tonali and Elliot Anderson. Tonali left Newcastle for Tottenham in a deal worth €117 million (£100m) including add-ons, while Anderson joined Manchester City from Nottingham Forest for €136 million (£116m).