Bruno Guimaraes is attracting interest from Arsenal but former Newcastle United defender Emil Krafth hopes he’ll stay.

The Premier League champions are yet to make contact with Newcastle but are widely reported to have had a £60million proposal, submitted through intermediaries last week, rejected.

The Gazette understands Guimaraes is considering his future following the sales of Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon, and last season’s 12th-place finish in the Premier League, but the Magpies insist their captain is not for sale.

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The 28-year-old is under contract until 2028 but the club hold an option for a further year, effectively tying the midfielder down to June 2029.

Gumaraes has been an inspirational figure since joining from Lyon for £40million in January 2022, captaining the club to its first trophy in 56 years after winning the Carabao Cup last season, as well as qualifying for the Champions League twice.

Krafth has witnessed first-hand Guimaraes’ influence behind the scenes after being teammates with the Brazilian for four-and-a-half-years.

The Sweden international left Newcastle following the end of his contract last season, but hopes Guimaraes doesn’t join him out of the St James’ Park exit door.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Krafth said: “He’s the most important player in the team. He manages the game so well, both physically and technically. I hope they can keep him.

“There’s a lot of rumours surrounding him, which is not surprising because he’s had a good World Cup and a great season.”