Newcastle frustrated by Arsenal’s pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes and will demand an £80m transfer fee for the captain | Football news

Newcastle are frustrated by Arsenal’s pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes and will only consider selling him for more than £80m, according to a report. Sky Sports News‘ North East reporter Keith Downie.

The Brazilian has told his club he wants to join Arsenal this summer but Downie says, contrary to recent reports, the Gunners have not made direct contact with Newcastle.

Arsenal have instead examined the terms of the deal through mediators, an approach which has left Newcastle frustrated as they try to determine whether their interest is genuine.

Downie expects the saga to continue but insists Newcastle are determined to keep their captain and are valuing him for more than £80m, just £20m less than Sandro Tonali, who they sold to Spurs for £100m earlier this month.

“The stories about Bruno Guimaraes will never stop,” Downie continued Sky Sports News.

“The main reason for that is that he has told Newcastle that he would like to look at leaving the club, and in particular going to Arsenal.

“He’s ambitious. He wants to win trophies. He doesn’t want to end his career as he’s only won the Carabao Cup and the cup with Newcastle.

“Newcastle are not going to win the Premier League. They want to win titles. They want to get a chance to do that. But Arsenal need to come to the table and show Newcastle their money’s worth.

“There are various reports that Arsenal have made requests to go to Newcastle using intermediaries or middlemen. But as we sit here this morning, Arsenal have never contacted Newcastle.

“As I understand it, Newcastle reached out to Arsenal and said, ‘Look, are you serious about this? Are you trying to sign this player because we haven’t had anything from you?’

“It’s all about agents and I think it’s a concern for Newcastle because without a doubt it’s a distraction for the player, which is why he said he’d like to explore his options elsewhere.”

Newcastle are in the midst of a busy summer, having sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £69.3m before the £100m sale of Tonali to Spurs. The club also spent a combined £83.5m on Bazoumana Toure, Sean Steur and Ewen Jaouen.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have yet to complete a major signing. Morgan Rogers, another target, has joined Chelsea from Aston Villa, and their interest in Guimaraes is yet to be formalised, with Newcastle keen to make a big splash on their £40m 2022 signing.

“It looks like it’s going to be popular,” Downie added.

“What would be the end for Newcastle? I think it should start with eight. He will be 29 soon. They got £100m for Sandro Tonali but Bruno is three years older, so that means his value is a bit less.

“Newcastle wishes they wouldn’t sell him. They said he wouldn’t. But when a player is on the move, it’s hard to hold on to him.

“But Arsenal need to come to the table and offer, and only then will Newcastle take their interest seriously, if they give us a tangible offer, not through any intermediaries.”

Guimaraes, who played for Brazil in the World Cup, has played 195 games in all competitions for Newcastle and scored 31 goals.

Why ‘finished’ Guimaraes appeals to Arsenal

Leadership, experience, history of fitness and a complete midfield profile make Guimaraes an attractive target for Arsenal, they wrote. Sky Sports’ Nick Wright, as Premier League champions aim to turn last season’s success into dominance.