Bruno Guimarães won't strike to force Arsenal move - but is clear on wanting out

Arsenal have been given clarity on Bruno Guimarães's intentions, but the Newcastle United captain has made it known he will not follow Alexander Isak's playbook by going on strike to force a transfer. According to sports media Brazil, Guimarães remains determined to join the Premier League champions this summer. Various sources have confirmed that Arsenal have made the Brazilian their priority midfield target ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, yet Newcastle have already rejected a proposed €82 million (£70m) offer. The Magpies, however, are aware that Guimarães has privately indicated he would like to leave St James' Park, with sources reporting his desire to move on. But while Isak withheld his availability for Newcastle's first three league games last summer to push through his €146m (£125m) switch to Liverpool, Guimarães will not take similar drastic measures. Arsenal's pursuit of the 28-year-old has already seen a verbal offer - thought to be around €70m (£60m) - made through intermediaries, but Newcastle rebuffed that approach without direct negotiations. Eddie Howe's side are wary of sanctioning a third major sale after already losing Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for €80m (£70m) and Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur in a deal worth up to €117m (£100m). Guimarães has two years left on his contract and has been a standout performer since joining from Lyon in January 2022, netting 31 goals in 195 appearances and captaining Newcastle to their first domestic trophy in 70 years - the 2025 Carabao Cup final victory over Liverpool. He also featured for Brazil at this summer's World Cup. sources notes that Guimarães turns 29 in November, a factor Arsenal are reportedly factoring into their valuation. insider sources adds that Mikel Arteta wants a flexible midfielder to ease the workload on Declan Rice, who started seven of England's eight World Cup games and logged 55 appearances for Arsenal last season. Arsenal have also been linked with Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi and Bournemouth's Alex Scott as alternative midfield options.