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Newcastle United skipper Bruno Guimarães has reportedly informed the club that a move to Arsenal is "his wish" this summer. Whether the Magpies are willing to grant that wish, however, is an entirely different question.
Arsenal have harbored a long-running interest in the Brazilian midfielder. Combative and technically polished with considerable Premier League pedigree, Guimarães is an attractive target for several top English clubs. The Gunners are believed to have backed up that interest with an opening offer in the vicinity of $73 million (£55 million) for the 28-year-old last month.
It was flatly turned down.
Speculation has since grown that a second bid is being prepared, which is expected to receive a lukewarm reception on Tyneside. While Newcastle are clearly unwilling to entertain the departure of their standout player, Guimarães is eager to link up with the Premier League champions, according to The Athletic.
The attraction for Guimarães is obvious. Mikel Arteta's squad finally crossed the Premier League finish line in top spot last season while taking Paris Saint-Germain to a penalty shootout in the Champions League final. With a squad still very much in its prime, it would be a shock if Arsenal crumbled as dramatically as the previous title holders, Liverpool.
Arteta has a well-established first-choice lineup, but there is a need for greater squad depth, especially if Arsenal continue to progress deep into multiple competitions. Thomas Tuchel has seen firsthand how heavily the north London club's players are utilized throughout the campaign, with both Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice picking up injuries at the World Cup. Guimarães is ideally suited to play alongside or in place of the heavily burdened Rice.
However, a player's desire to move does not necessarily mean his club will cooperate.
Will Arsenal Be Able to Sign Bruno Guimarães?
It is difficult to overstate just how vital Guimarães is to Newcastle. It was not until March that the Magpies claimed their first Premier League victory without the Brazilian star since he arrived at the club over four years ago. He is the engine, heartbeat, and backbone of Eddie Howe's team, which simply struggles to function without him.
Fortunately for those on Tyneside, Guimarães has been as reliable as he is impactful. Newcastle are in no hurry to overhaul their entire style of play just yet.
It is evident that the Magpies cannot afford to lose Guimarães — and they are also financially capable of retaining him.
The sales of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali earlier this summer have netted Newcastle close to $215 million. After several years carefully navigating the Premier League's financial regulations, there is no pressing need for the revenue a Guimarães sale would bring — particularly not at the figures Arsenal are currently tabling.
The Gunners have so far failed to push beyond $75 million. Tonali, who may be two years younger than Guimarães but is far less integral, cost Tottenham a minimum of $124 million.
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Unless Arsenal significantly raise their valuation, Guimarães will need to do far more than simply notifying Newcastle of his desire to depart.
Alexander Isak demonstrated last summer that a determined enough player can force an exit from St. James' Park at the expense of their standing at the club. For a player like Guimarães, who has openly expressed a desire to be held in the same regard as club icon Alan Shearer, a similarly destructive approach seems highly unlikely.