Transfer report Fabrizio Romano has confirmed an offer Arsenal but says Newcastle will not sell for the straight cash deal on the table.
He hints that the Gunners could return with a different approach, however, and with Newcastle looking to strengthen in the attacking positions and reportedly keen on three separate Gunners players, it could potentially open the door to a barter deal.
“It is true that Arsenal made an approach for Bruno Guimaraes,” Romano stated in his latest YouTube video. “It was a direct approach on the player’s side and the club side with Newcastle.
“My understanding is that their intention was for a deal worth around £55million, but Newcastle will not sell him for this fee. They have closed the doors to this approach. We will see if Arsenal returns, if anything is moving. Bruno Guimaraes is leaving everything in the hands of Newcastle; he’s respecting Newcastle.”
Arsenal won their first Premier League title under Mikel Arteta last season but don’t want to rest on their laurels and know reinforcement is required if they are to retain their trophy and also compete for the Champions League again.
A move for Guimaraes would be a huge signal of intent, particularly after Manchester City agreed a deal to sign top target Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. And if the transfer fee proves to be a sticking point, then Arsenal could look to offer some players in exchange to the North East club in an attempt to reach an agreement.
Newcastle are on the lookout for a new left winger after Liverpool hijacked their proposed move for Osasuna star Victor Munoz.
The Magpies were involved in talks over the 22-year-old’s transfer fee, when Andoni Iraola’s side agreed to pay his £34.5million release clause in full.
It means Newcastle are now back to the drawing board in their attempts to sign a forward, which could work in Arsenal’s advantage if they want to agree a deal for Guimaraes.
Caught Offside claim Newcastle are considering moves for Arsenal duo Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, as well as a deal for Liverpool ace Cody Gakpo, as they look for an attacking alternative.
The report states that all three options have been ‘discussed internally’ by the Newcastle hierarchy and that conversations have already taken place with Arsenal to gauge the possibility of a summer transfer. A move for Trossard appears unlikely, though, with the Belgian forward believed to be in advanced talks with Turkish side Besiktas over a permanent transfer.
“Newcastle have been exploring other options, they weren’t putting all their eggs into the Munoz basket,” a source is quoted in the report.
“They’ve asked Arsenal about Trossard and Martinelli. They also like Cody Gakpo, but the current feeling seems to be that Martinelli could be cheaper.
“Nothing’s advanced yet, and Newcastle won’t rush this. They weren’t entirely convinced about meeting Munoz’s release clause, and they’re prepared to wait to find a deal they’re fully convinced strengthens their squad whilst still representing good value for money.”
Another option for Newcastle could be Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri. The 19-year-old struggled on loan at French club Marseille last season and is reportedly free to leave on a permanent deal this summer.