Howe's Bruno Guimaraes Admission Sparks Arsenal Transfer Fears

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has refused to give fans any guarantees that Bruno Guimaraes will stay at St. James' Park beyond this summer, fuelling speculation that the Brazilian midfielder is destined for Arsenal. Speaking after a 4-1 friendly defeat to Bristol City on Wednesday, Howe did little to calm the growing belief that Guimaraes will push for a move to the Premier League champions. The 28-year-old was absent from that match, still on leave after the World Cup, but his manager's comments suggested the club may be preparing for life without him. "We want to keep all of our best players. They're so valuable, and there aren't many of them," Howe told News. "Bruno's very much in that category. But assurances? I don't think you can push too hard for those. You want players that are committed. Bruno's always been committed here, but I'd love to see that continue." The situation medias the saga that saw Alexander Isak leave for Liverpool last summer in a record £125 million deal after weeks of resistance from Newcastle. Arsenal have so far offered around £70 million for Guimaraes, who has two years left on his contract. The Magpies, however, are holding out for a fee close to the £100 million Tottenham paid for Sandro Tonali - a price that would smash Arsenal's club record. According to sources, Guimaraes has made it clear he wants to join Mikel Arteta's side, but Newcastle have been left "flabbergasted" by the Gunners' approach. Talks remain at a standstill, though the London club are still viewed as the favourites to land one of Arteta's two priority summer targets.