Newcastle star’s agent told Arsenal he was available for £50m | OneFootball

Bruno Guimaraes’ representatives believe they had an informal deal with Newcastle United to listen to bids of around £50m, prompting Arsenal’s pursuit of the midfielder.

Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

Luke Edwards reports for The Telegraph that Arsenal’s initial move for Bruno Guimaraes was based on information from intermediaries that the midfielder could leave Newcastle United for around £50m.

The player’s representatives reportedly claim to have had a conversation with former Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley, who apparently said the club would be willing to listen to offers in that region if they failed to qualify for the Champions League.

But if that informal agreement genuinely existed, Newcastle are now refusing to honour it. With Staveley gone, Newcastle want a similar amount to the £100m Tottenham Hotspur paid for Sandro Tonali.

Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

Edwards adds that Guimaraes would like the move to Arsenal, and he’s informed Newcastle of this, but he’ll only push for a transfer if the Gunners get close to Newcastle’s valuation. As it stands, the player is set to return to pre-season training later this month.

Newcastle have reportedly told Guimaraes’ agent and the intermediaries involved in the potential move that they won’t even consider any offers that don’t get close to their valuation.

Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

Multiple sources have suggested that personal terms will be no issue. The player wants to live in London, he wants to work with Mikel Arteta, he wants to play in the Champions League, and he wants to win trophies.

But none of that is going to matter if Arsenal and Newcastle can’t close the gap on a fee.