Bruno Guimaraes has told Newcastle United he wants to explore a move to Arsenal, setting up what could become one of the more complicated transfers of the summer window. Newcastle's position, according to those covering the club, is that they are not inviting offers for their captain and most influential player.
BBC Radio Newcastle's Matthew Raisbeck addressed the situation directly. "The truth is, I don't know what's going to happen and you're right to reiterate what we know about Newcastle's position, which is they are not inviting offers for their captain and most influential player. They want him to stay, they don't want to sell him," Raisbeck said.
He added a cautionary note drawn from recent history. "But as we learned last year, particularly with Alexander Isak, a player not being for sale doesn't mean they won't leave the club."
Raisbeck also raised questions about what the move would mean for both clubs. "His influence on Newcastle is massive. Would he have the same level responsibility and same role at Arsenal? But then it's a move to a club that's just won the title that will probably nearly always be in the Champions League, will be competing for honours."
On the financial side of a possible deal, former Newcastle defender John Anderson pushed back on reported figures. "People are talking about £100m, not a chance. I don't think there's any way in the world Arsenal are going to pay that," Anderson said.
Anderson offered his own estimate. "Do I think Arsenal will pay £80m? Probably not. So I think it's one of those situations. There's been loads of stuff written about 50m quid, he's most definitely worth more than that, but will you get £100m for a 29-year-old? Maybe £75m is the most realistic, possibly."
Raisbeck noted that the timing creates its own tension for Newcastle. "What about Newcastle? Would this be an opportune time to sell him? Probably not for football reasons, but for the money maybe so. My view is that you lose far more than you gain if you let Bruno go, particularly after some of those big stars have already departed."
No timeline for a resolution has been reported.
