Magpies want captain to stay

By the Editorial Team · Monday, July 27, 2026

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe confirmed ongoing discussions about captain Bruno Guimaraes' future amid Arsenal's reported interest and an increased bid approaching £70 million. Guimaraes is a key player for Newcastle, and his potential departure follows a challenging transfer window marked by significant player sales and failed signings, prompting Newcastle to focus on integrating young talent.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe expressed uncertainty about the future of captain Bruno Guimaraes amid reported interest from Arsenal, while reaffirming the club’s desire to retain the midfielder. Howe acknowledged ongoing private discussions with Guimaraes but declined to comment on transfer speculation surrounding the 28-year-old Brazilian.

Speaking after Newcastle’s 1-1 pre-season draw against Gateshead on July 25, Howe described Guimaraes as both an outstanding player and an important person within the club. “I don’t know what’s going to happen with Bruno’s future,” Howe said. “That’s for other people to speculate about. They are conversations that I’m not part of.”

The St James’ Park club has already seen significant departures this transfer window. Winger Anthony Gordon was sold to Barcelona, while midfielder Sandro Tonali moved to Tottenham Hotspur. Howe called the losses “painful and difficult,” highlighting the challenge for Newcastle to maintain squad strength during the summer.

Newcastle also failed to secure the signings of Spanish winger Victor Munoz and Swiss midfielder Johan Manzambi, who respectively joined Liverpool and Aston Villa despite previously being close to deals with the Magpies.

In response, Newcastle have brought in several young players, including Dutch midfielder Sean Steur, 18; French goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen, 20; Ivorian winger Bazoumana Toure, 20; and French midfielder Aladji Bamba, 20. Only Steur featured in the match against Gateshead, with Jaouen on the bench and Toure and Bamba yet to start training with the squad.

Howe stressed Guimaraes’ importance, referring to him as “the captain of our football club” who has been exceptional both on and off the pitch. “We absolutely love him,” Howe said. “Of course, everyone will want him to stay.”

Reports from several media outlets indicate Arsenal have expressed strong interest in Guimaraes, with a verbal offer previously made for below £60 million reportedly rejected by Newcastle. More recent indications suggest Arsenal may increase their bid to around £70 million. Some sources claim Guimaraes has informed Newcastle of his desire to join Arsenal.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are also monitoring potential transfer targets elsewhere, including Brazil winger Vinicius Jr, whose contract with Real Madrid is set to expire in a year. The Gunners’ pursuit of Guimaraes appears part of a broader strategy to strengthen their squad ahead of the new Premier League season.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.