Arsenal may finally be able to land Bruno Guimaraes this summer.
Newcastle United have identified their preferred replacement for the Brazilian midfielder – and that single development could completely change the landscape of one of the most closely watched transfer sagas of the window.
For weeks, the deal has looked stuck. Arsenal were interested, Guimaraes wanted the move, but Newcastle refused to budge. Now, with a clear succession plan emerging at St James’ Park, the situation has shifted in Arsenal’s favour.
A Nightmare Summer for Newcastle
To say it has been a rough transfer window for Newcastle almost feels like an understatement.
Since the window opened on June 15, the Magpies have lost three key figures in Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Kieran Trippier. Gordon’s departure to Barcelona and Tonali’s switch to Tottenham brought in around £170 million combined, but the money has done little to calm restless supporters.
Fans have watched their squad weaken without seeing any major new arrivals of comparable quality. The sense of frustration has been growing by the week, and the possible exit of their captain has only poured fuel on the fire.
Then came the biggest blow yet.
Bruno Guimaraes Wants Out
Captain Bruno Guimaraes is desperate to leave St James’ Park this summer amid strong interest from Premier League champions Arsenal.
The Brazilian has been one of Newcastle’s most important players since his arrival from Lyon. His energy, technical quality and leadership have made him a cornerstone of Eddie Howe’s side. Losing him would leave a significant hole in the middle of the park.
According to multiple reports, Guimaraes has gone as far as handing in a transfer request in an attempt to force the move through. Arsenal have already tested Newcastle’s resolve with a £55 million bid, which was swiftly rejected.
For a long time it looked like Newcastle would simply dig in and refuse to sell. But the latest reports suggest the club is now preparing for life without their captain – and that preparation could open the door for Arsenal.
Newcastle’s Dream Bruno Replacement Revealed
According to a report from Portugal’s Correio da Manhã, Newcastle have identified Victor Froholdt as their leading target to replace Guimaraes.
The 20-year-old Danish midfielder currently plays for Porto and has been on Newcastle’s radar for some time. The Magpies sent scouts to watch him on multiple occasions last season, and every report that came back is understood to have been glowing.
Eddie Howe is said to be particularly keen on the young talent. Froholdt is viewed as a high-upside option who can operate in central midfield with both defensive steel and progressive passing – qualities that would help soften the blow of losing Guimaraes.
At just 20 years old, he also represents a long-term investment rather than a short-term fix, which aligns with Newcastle’s broader recruitment strategy under the current ownership.
The Problem? Porto Don’t Want to Sell
Any deal for Froholdt will not be straightforward.
Porto have made it clear they will not entertain offers unless they are close to his €85 million (£73.6m) release clause. That figure is significant and would represent a major outlay even for a club with Newcastle’s resources.
The Portuguese side are in a strong negotiating position. After signing Froholdt on a five-year deal following his €20 million move from FC Copenhagen last year, they are under no pressure to sell. They can afford to wait for a club willing to meet their valuation.
This creates a potential roadblock. If Newcastle are only prepared to move for Froholdt at a more reasonable price, the deal could drag on – or collapse entirely.
Backup Options Lined Up
If Guimaraes does leave and Froholdt proves too expensive or difficult to secure, Newcastle already have alternatives in mind:
- Hugo Larsson (Eintracht Frankfurt)
- Danilo (Botafogo)
Both players have been monitored, and either could provide a more realistic path if the Froholdt pursuit stalls. Still, sources indicate that Froholdt remains the clear first choice should Guimaraes depart.
Arsenal Closing In?
The timing of the Froholdt reports is significant. Just hours before the Portuguese story emerged, talkSPORT claimed Arsenal had made major progress in their pursuit of Guimaraes.
A verbal agreement on a fee north of £75 million was reportedly reached, with personal terms already agreed between the player and the Gunners. If accurate, that would represent a substantial increase on Arsenal’s earlier £55 million offer and would signal serious intent from Mikel Arteta’s side.
However, Newcastle sources have since pushed back. They insist no formal bids have been submitted and that their captain – who still has two years left on his contract – is not for sale this summer, regardless of his personal wishes.
Yet recent history offers a note of caution for Newcastle fans. Alexander Isak left for Liverpool under similar circumstances after publicly expressing a desire to move. When a player of Guimaraes’ quality and importance decides he wants a new challenge, clubs often find it difficult to keep him against his will – especially when a replacement plan is already taking shape.
With the new Premier League season just weeks away, the next fortnight could prove decisive. Arsenal remain ready and waiting. Newcastle are preparing contingencies. And Bruno Guimaraes continues to push for the exit.
What do you think?
Will Arsenal finally get their man this summer, or will Newcastle dig their heels in and keep their captain? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.