Bruno Guimaraes: Man United risk losing race to Arsenal for Newcastle star | OneFootball

Manchester United risk losing yet another target to a Premier League rival as Arsenal pull ahead in the race for Bruno Guimaraes, though the Red Devils have struck a deal for a different Brazilian midfielder, according to David Ornstein.

One Brazilian, Two Brazilian, Three?

Having already reached a £39 million agreement with Atalanta to sign Ederson, INEOS were hoping to make either Elliot Anderson or Mateus Fernandes their next signing to bolster Michael Carrick’s engine room. But the financial demands involved for both proved beyond United’s reach, with Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur agreeing club-record deals to sign them – City paying £116m for Anderson, Tottenham Hotspur laying down £85m to land Fernandes.

With Casemiro having departed Old Trafford to join Inter Miami on a free transfer, and Manuel Ugarte suffering a serious knee injury for Uruguay at the World Cup, two more midfielders are needed beyond Ederson.

This has led United to reignite their interest in Chelsea dynamo Andrey Santos, a compatriot of Ederson as a fellow Brazil international. Earlier this evening, Ornstein broke the news that a £50m proposal had been accepted by the Blues, with the 22-year-old set to travel to M16 to complete a medical.

Santos is a talented operator with the versatility to play in the No.6 or No.8 roles. There are those in his homeland who believe he is a natural successor to Casemiro as Brazil’s next holding midfielder. There are stylistic similarities with Ederson, however, raising the question of whether Ugarte’s injury has forced a rethink in terms of need next season.

The fact remains that United need a ‘marquee’ signing in midfield to take the reins from Casemiro. Real Madrid superstar Aurelien Tchouameni is a “dream target”, but a deal for the 26-year-old Frenchman will prove as difficult as it is costly.

This raises the question of a pivot towards Guimaraes, given the 28-year-old Newcastle United talisman is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. The Brazil international is able to drop deep and dictate play, or push forward and help unlock defences. But this samba skill is balanced by steel and strength, as he has come to embody the spirit of Tyneside as club captain.

Arsenal ready to strike

Despite the mutual affection Guimaraes and the Toon Army hold, the Rio de Janeiro native is ready to leave St James’ Park this summer after a disappointing campaign for the Magpies. Eddie Howe’s side finished 12th in the Premier League, after crashing out of the cup competitions at early stages, including a humiliating 8-3 defeat to FC Barcelona in the Champions League.

Having lost star striker Alexander Isak last year, this was followed by the sales of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali already this summer. Doubts continue to swirl around the future of Lewis Hall – a target at Old Trafford – and Tino Livramento, admired by both Arsenal and Manchester City.

Understandably, as he approaches his 29th birthday, Guimaraes is keen to remain playing at the highest level of European football and wants to challenge for major honours. This feels an increasingly remote possibility with the Magpies.

The player’s camp are understood to have reached out to a number of top clubs, including Manchester United, to make this intention known. There are few options available on the market with the requisite skillset to effectively replace Casemiro – but his countryman is certainly one.

However, Arsenal are considered frontrunners, having made an approach over a £55 million deal last month. This was immediately rebuffed, though Ornstein reveals the Gunners are “ready to offer” a new proposal worth up to £60m.

Tweet: “EXCL: Bruno Guimaraes informs Newcastle United of wish to leave & join Arsenal. #AFC stepping up pursuit – ready to offer deal worth up to £60m at present but no club-to-club contact yet + #NUFC stance still not entertaining bids for 28yo @TheAthleticFC.”

Crucially, the Premier League champions have received the green light from Guimaraes, who has communicated his desire to complete a switch to the Emirates. Newcastle remain adamant that a bid will not be accepted, and club-to-club talks are yet to happen. But the direction of travel appears to point towards North London.

Final Thoughts

If Guimaraes is open to leaving Newcastle in favour of Champions League football at a top club, Manchester United have every bit as much pull as Arsenal, even if Mikel Arteta’s side are more certain challengers domestically and on the continent. The allure of Old Trafford is strong, however, as is the chance to succeed Casemiro, with the 34-year-old having specifically identified Guimaraes as an excellent replacement for him last season.

While signing a soon-to-be 29-year-old for big money on big wages is a big ‘no no’ for INEOS, the Newcastle United captain is a target worth making an exception for. He is a rare midfielder with no weaknesses, who would elevate the Red Devils from top four contenders to Premier League challengers.

Featured image George Wood via Getty Images

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