Chelsea's Late Hijack Fails as Bruno Guimaraes Remains Dead Set on Arsenal Move

Bruno Guimaraes has not changed his mind. The Newcastle United midfielder remains absolutely determined to secure a move to Arsenal this summer, according to reports. The Brazil international is said to have an “immovable” desire to join the Gunners, and he is confident that he will be playing in north London before the transfer window closes. Newcastle, however, continue to insist that their captain is not for sale. Arsenal have already made a verbal offer through intermediaries in late June, but no formal improved bid has followed. Without one, the Magpies will not budge. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s attempt to hijack a deal for teenage winger Kerim Alajbegovic has fallen flat. The Blues entered the race after talks between AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen stalled over the German club’s €30 million asking price. But Alajbegovic had already given his word to Atalanta and will not go back on it. As long as negotiations between the Serie A side and Leverkusen stay alive, he will not consider any other club. Arsenal could also turn their attention to Julian Alvarez. The Gunners missed out on Morgan Rogers to Chelsea and are now weighing a big move for the Argentine striker, despite his reported reluctance to return to England after his spell at Manchester City. Alvarez would prefer a move to Barcelona, but the Catalans have yet to agree a fee with Atletico Madrid, who refuse to sell their star forward to a direct LaLiga rival. At Stamford Bridge, Nicolas Jackson appears ready to fight for his place. The Chelsea striker had been expected to leave after being deemed surplus to requirements last summer, but new boss Xabi Alonso wants to give him a chance in pre-season before making a final call. Jackson, for his part, is determined to stay and hold onto his contract, which runs until 2033. Folarin Balogun is attracting serious interest from Premier League clubs. The former Arsenal striker finished the season strongly at Monaco and carried that form into the World Cup. With two years left on his contract, a return to England could be on the cards. Newcastle are among up to six English top-flight sides interested, while Atletico Madrid and others abroad are also monitoring the American international.