Manchester United is reportedly positioning itself to compete with Arsenal for the signature of Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes this summer. The Brazil international is said to have expressed a desire to leave Newcastle, citing concerns about the club’s sporting ambitions following their failure to qualify for the Champions League last season.
Guimaraes, who has been linked with a move to Premier League champions Arsenal, is reportedly valued by the Gunners at around £60 million. However, former Manchester United captain Bryan Robson has urged his old club to prioritize signing Guimaraes, viewing him as an ideal replacement for Casemiro, who recently departed Old Trafford.
Robson highlighted Guimaraes’ leadership qualities and versatility in midfield, praising his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively. He noted that while Casemiro received some criticism for his mobility, the Brazilian was an intelligent player who combined defensive solidity with goal-scoring ability and effective distribution, particularly to Bruno Fernandes. Robson believes Guimaraes possesses similar attributes and a strong work rate, describing him as “a midfielder who can do a little bit of both” with “a very good engine.”
Despite this enthusiasm, Robson expressed skepticism about Newcastle’s willingness to sell Guimaraes during the same transfer window in which they have already offloaded players such as Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon. The former United player suggested the club might be reluctant to allow multiple key departures in one summer.
In parallel, Manchester United is reportedly close to finalizing the transfer of another Brazilian midfielder, Andrey Santos, from Chelsea. The clubs have agreed on a deal believed to be worth £50 million, including add-ons, to bring the 22-year-old to Old Trafford. Robson acknowledged the long-term potential of Santos, emphasizing United’s apparent strategy of acquiring young talent for sustained future performance.
However, he also cautioned that Santos has yet to consistently prove his ability to perform at the highest level week in, week out, suggesting that United’s investment hinges on the belief in his continued development rather than established Premier League excellence.
As the summer transfer window progresses, Manchester United’s midfield recruitment appears focused on reinforcing the squad with players capable of fulfilling both defensive responsibilities and contributing to build-up play, while managing the challenge of competing with rival clubs for top targets.