Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes has informed the club that he wants to leave and join Arsenal, according to Sky Sports News.
Arsenal have not made direct contact with Newcastle over the midfielder’s availability. However, the conditions of a possible deal have been discussed through intermediaries.
Newcastle have declined to comment on the situation. The club’s position remains unchanged. They do not want to sell their captain and are not inviting offers for him.
Guimaraes still has two years left on his current Newcastle contract. The deal also includes an option to extend by another year, potentially keeping him at St James’ Park until 2029.
Arsenal Interest Comes After Newcastle Player Sales
The Brazil international has become one of Newcastle’s most important players since joining from Lyon in January 2022.
He arrived for about £35 million and later became a central figure in Newcastle’s rise after the club’s Saudi-backed takeover in October 2021.
Guimaraes also captained Newcastle when they won the Carabao Cup two seasons ago, ending the club’s long wait for a domestic trophy.
His possible departure would come during a difficult summer for Newcastle.
The club have already lost key players, including Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali. Sky Sports reports that Gordon joined Barcelona for £69.3 million, while Tonali moved to Tottenham Hotspur for £100 million.
Those sales have strengthened Newcastle’s position under spending rules. However, losing Guimaraes would force manager Eddie Howe into another major rebuild.
Newcastle Determined to Keep Their Captain
Newcastle are understood to have no interest in allowing Guimaraes to follow other senior players out of the club.
The Magpies endured a difficult campaign last season after struggling to replace Alexander Isak, who left for Liverpool in a £130 million move.
Howe’s side finished 12th in the Premier League, and the club will be keen to avoid another disruptive transfer saga.
Sky Sports News’ Keith Downie said there has been no offer from Arsenal and no direct club-to-club contact.
“Newcastle are not commenting on the situation, and there has been no offer from Arsenal or no contact from them whatsoever,” Downie said.
He added that Guimaraes, either directly or through people working on his future, had indicated a desire to leave Newcastle.
“But Bruno Guimaraes, whether that is himself or through one of the agents he’s got working on his future, has indicated a desire to leave Newcastle United,” Downie said.
Arsenal Yet to Make Formal Move
Arsenal’s interest comes as the club look to strengthen their midfield options ahead of the new season.
The Guardian also reported that Arsenal are expected to intensify their pursuit after Guimaraes made clear his wish to leave Newcastle.
However, Newcastle’s refusal to sell could make any deal difficult.
Guimaraes remains one of the club’s most influential players and was named Newcastle United’s 2025/26 Player of the Year after a strong season in midfield.
His future is now set to become one of the biggest stories of the summer transfer window.
For Newcastle fans, the concern is clear. After losing several major players, another high-profile exit would raise fresh questions about the club’s direction under Eddie Howe.
For Arsenal, Guimaraes would represent a major statement signing if they can persuade Newcastle to negotiate.