Newcastle are frustrated with Arsenal's pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes and will only consider selling him for upwards of £80m, according to Sky Sports News' North East reporter Keith Downie.
The Brazil international has told his club he wants to join Arsenal this summer but Downie says that, contrary to recent reports, the Gunners still haven't made contact with Newcastle directly.
Arsenal have instead explored the conditions of a deal through intermediaries, an approach which has left Newcastle frustrated as they try to gauge whether their interest is genuine.
Downie expects the saga to continue but insists Newcastle are determined to keep their captain and value him at over £80m, only £20m less than his former team-mate Sandro Tonali, who they sold to Spurs for £100m earlier this month.
"The stories regarding Bruno Guimaraes are not going to go away," Downie said on Sky Sports News.
"The main reason for that is that he has told Newcastle he would like to explore a move away from the club, and a move to Arsenal in particular.
"He is ambitious. He wants to win trophies. He doesn't want to end his career having only won the Carabao Cup and potentially another cup with Newcastle.
"Newcastle aren't going to win the Premier League. He wants to win titles. He wants to have the opportunity to do that. But Arsenal need to come to the table and show Newcastle the colour of their money.
"There are various reports out there saying Arsenal have made bids to Newcastle via intermediaries or middle-men. But as we sit here this morning, Arsenal have not contacted Newcastle.
"As I understand it, Newcastle have actually reached out to Arsenal and said, 'Look, are you serious about this? Are you trying to sign this player because we've had nothing from you?
"It's all playing out with agents and I think it's frustrating for Newcastle because without doubt it's unsettling the player, hence why he has said he would 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 Tonali's £100m sale to Spurs. The club have also spent a combined £83.5m on Bazoumana Toure, Sean Steur and Ewen Jaouen.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are yet to complete any major signings. Morgan Rogers, one of their targets, sensationally joined Chelsea from Aston Villa, while their interest in Guimaraes is yet to be formalised, with Newcastle determined to secure a large profit on a player they signed for £40m in 2022.
"It feels like it's going to rumble on," added Downie.
"What would be the tipping point for Newcastle? I think it has to start with an eight. He is going to be 29 soon. They got £100m for Sandro Tonali but Bruno is three years older, so that means his value is a little bit less.
"Newcastle are desperate not to sell him. They've said he's not for sale. But once a player agitates to go, it's really difficult to hold on to him.
"But Arsenal need to come to the table and offer, and only then will Newcastle take their interest seriously, once they make a concrete offer, not via any middle-men."
Guimaraes, who featured for Brazil at the World Cup, has made 195 appearances in all competitions for Newcastle and scored 31 goals.
Why 'complete' Guimaraes appeals to Arsenal
Leadership, experience, a history of robustness and a complete midfield profile make Guimaraes an attractive target for Arsenal, writes Sky Sports' Nick Wright, as the Premier League champions aim to turn last season's success into dominance.
Huzbeopsz
0
Until they hijack him again ..foolish Berta
stay calm and observe
bodabckopu
1
65 mil bid in progress like havertz and sign the moroccan buaddi, then collect him next season along with a 2-15 mil young rb for small games and rotation.
Supacmrs
0
if arsenal dont know and make any other team sign him we wont forget their useless strategy only advertising good players for other teams to buy them whilst arteta prefers buying dead woods from chelsea with huge sum of money ...
ruaacilstz
1
liverpool has sign him
napdemny
0
Bruno guimaraes do it €120M join Manchester United
bukabily
0
Came on gunners bring the guy to arsenal
Lodbdkmnop
2
Until they hijack him again ..foolish Berta
Odek
1
Reason so many people hated this club, Arsenal can't you just for once behave like a big club and go for what you want? even as my club am tired of this behavior! the money is there come out and spend it, let people know, you are the reigning champion!
resabekpst
2
should be 100 million pounds
You live in dreamland mate, he’s nearly 29 years old. £75 up front with £5 add ons which are easily obtainable.
elvsiovs
1
we need it back to back
2muchmoney
1
should be 100 million pounds
So you believe he should be £100 million but Roger’s is too expensive when Chelsea pay £117 million right?
cihacdkosz
1
should be 100 million pounds
Vizdnstuyz
0
now you want buy 29 years old with 80 million pounds
Vizdnstuyz
1
but Chelsea buy person way is 23 years old and all of una dey criticis them
resabekpst
2
His quality is what we need to assure our depth and strength, give him 3yrs contract he'll be 32 it's ok..
I definitely admit that he would be a great asset for us. We have had quite a few confrontations with him in the past. The elbow on Jorginho plus the kick on his calf from behind. The face off with Rice, plus other issues. But he has got winning mentality and he is definitely worth signing, for a realistic price. £75-80m maximum.
Tucalmprtz
0
Guimares fits well in arsenal squad and arsenal should make their move...arsenal don't need a player who don't have epl experience if they really want to retain the title...age doesn't matter for me...everyone saw Rodri in world cup and I believe Guimares has more years to offer.
Cubabinory
1
His quality is what we need to assure our depth and strength, give him 3yrs contract he'll be 32 it's ok..
resabekpst
1
arsenal is sluggish, the news this morning is that the player has told new castle he wants to go to arsenal and win trophies and titles at his age and new castle know they can't keep him and they need arsenal at the table to discuss a deal around 80 million.
Hi mate, i believe that there’s a chance for us to offer £75ml up front with £5ml in add ons that are easily obtainable. I.E. - appearances, top 4 finish, Plus winning trophies graded by their ratings, Champions League would be the top one and the EPL just below. Domestic cups bottom rate. We just wait in silence. Take care mate and enjoy your football this season.
Stillogh
2
Why would we pay £80m for almost 29 years player They should keep him fvking scammers
Stillogh
0
this arsenal is really a problem. you want to sign a new castle player but you don't want to go to the table with them but you are instead discussing a deal with intermediaries who have no power over the player. that's the same way they lost Morgan because of over sense.
And who are you
Fipcmoprtu
0
this arsenal is really a problem. you want to sign a new castle player but you don't want to go to the table with them but you are instead discussing a deal with intermediaries who have no power over the player. that's the same way they lost Morgan because of over sense.
arsenal is sluggish, the news this morning is that the player has told new castle he wants to go to arsenal and win trophies and titles at his age and new castle know they can't keep him and they need arsenal at the table to discuss a deal around 80 million.
resabekpst
1
true we had information earlier that the player had already agreed personal terms which was never a problem to him because he wants the move and is enticed by the project presented to him. new castle has even called arsenal to come up with a bid they are serious but nothing. we don't even hear when other clubs are making but in a few days you hear the deal is done.
I no it’s frustrating for Arsenal fans. Maybe they are requesting too much, it was they wanted £100ml, we had this issue with Gyrolokes last season. We suffer in silence and can only express our opinions amongst ourselves. 🤞mate it works out well. Plus we definitely need a natural left winger.
Fipcmoprtu
1
this arsenal is really a problem. you want to sign a new castle player but you don't want to go to the table with them but you are instead discussing a deal with intermediaries who have no power over the player. that's the same way they lost Morgan because of over sense.
true we had information earlier that the player had already agreed personal terms which was never a problem to him because he wants the move and is enticed by the project presented to him. new castle has even called arsenal to come up with a bid they are serious but nothing. we don't even hear when other clubs are making but in a few days you hear the deal is done.
resabekpst
2
this arsenal is really a problem. you want to sign a new castle player but you don't want to go to the table with them but you are instead discussing a deal with intermediaries who have no power over the player. that's the same way they lost Morgan because of over sense.
True mate, but they are finding out if the player wants Arsenal and what his salary will be plus agents charge. Berta works this way. We didn’t get gazumped for Rogers, Villa wanted big money for Middlesbrough get 17.5 percent of the sale.
Fipcmoprtu
1
this arsenal is really a problem. you want to sign a new castle player but you don't want to go to the table with them but you are instead discussing a deal with intermediaries who have no power over the player. that's the same way they lost Morgan because of over sense.
resabekpst
3
They should pay £70ml up front with £7.5ml add ons. He is nearly 29 years old.