Arsenal’s interest in Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has reached the point where the message from Tyneside is clear: make a serious bid or move on.
So far, the noise around the Brazil international has largely been driven by the player’s representatives, and Newcastle are understood to be growing frustrated. Inside St James’ Park, there is a feeling that the situation is developing into a calculated public manoeuvre, with Guimaraes increasingly unsettled by constant speculation over his next move.
Guimaraes has made it known to Newcastle that he would like the opportunity to speak with Arsenal, attracted by the prospect of competing for more major honours. Newcastle’s position, however, remains firm: they do not want to sell him.
That leaves the pressure on Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta to arrive with an offer Newcastle would be forced to take seriously.
Arsenal have been given the impression that a deal for 28-year-old Bruno Guimaraes could be possible at around £75million, but Newcastle would demand a higher figure before even considering a sale
How did Arsenal let Rogers slip away?
Arsenal are not the only Premier League club monitoring Guimaraes, and that sense of competition will feel uncomfortably familiar to their supporters. Many Gunners fans will have winced at Morgan Rogers celebrating his move to Chelsea by calling them “London’s biggest club”.
For some time, Arsenal believed they were leading the chase for Rogers and were given the impression that a package worth between £80million and £100million would be enough. Aston Villa, though, felt Arsenal had misjudged the direction of the transfer market.
That became more apparent when Villa co-owner and chairman Nassef Sawiris had an informal chat with Arsenal in the USA and it was clear they were some distance apart in terms of their prices. Arsenal had their valuation in mind, despite Villa insisting on a record fee for a British player.
Arsenal were favourites for Rogers. As Daily Mail Sport reported, England team-mates Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka were part of a charm offensive. Martin Odegaard also spoke to Rogers, as did manager Mikel Arteta.
The 23-year-old was open to the move, even though a little typecast as a replacement for Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, who is also for sale, as an option for the left wing. It just needed the right bid.
Yet when Arsenal failed to read the room, Chelsea seized their chance. The Blues began formal negotiations with Villa and Rogers’ representatives the day after England’s semi-final defeat by Argentina.
Reece James leaned on Rogers, Cole Palmer sent his best pal a text message and Arteta’s old childhood friend, Xabi Alonso, phoned Rogers on Friday to explain his plans. Personal terms were agreed the same day. Chelsea agreed on £117m and Arsenal were informed. They decided their money could be spent better elsewhere.
Arsenal put on a charm offensive for Morgan Rogers (above) with Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard all speaking to the player – but he ended up at Chelsea
Reece James (right) helped convince Rogers to move to Stamford Bridge
Now Rogers has gone, who are Arsenal after?
Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez remains a dream target. Though he is set on Barcelona, Arsenal would bid if they thought they had a chance.
Arsenal are also competing with Liverpool for Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola though the Anfield club are considered to have the upper hand at this stage.
Spain World Cup hero Ferran Torres has been suggested again as he considers leaving Barcelona, with PSG favourites. There are also rumblings Nico Williams could finally consider leaving Athletic Bilbao once he finishes his holiday.
‘We need to stay calm; let him enjoy himself and disconnect from soccer. What is meant to happen will happen,’ said his agent Felix Tainta helpfully.
All have been discussed. But the price has to be right.
The same applies to £85m-rated Eli Junior Kroupi at Bournemouth and his team-mate Alex Scott. Arsenal know from Chelsea’s failed bid that it will take more than £64m to prise away the 22-year-old midfielder Scott this summer.
Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi is now £85m when he was considered a £60m prospect before the World Cup. Manchester City are leading that chase.
Roma’s Manu Kone is another Arsenal are briefed on. He would be more affordable if they proceed, though Manchester United are also around that deal.
Arsenal did make an exploratory call to RB Leipzig over Yan Diomande’s situation in recent days but he is still expected to join PSG.
Liverpool are ahead of Arsenal in the race for PSG and France star Bradley Barcola
Arsenal are keen on midfielder Alex Scott but know it is going to take a lot of money to get him out of Bournemouth
And the defence?
William Saliba has decided not to have surgery on his back injury after consultation with Arsenal. But the player will have a long period of rest. The duration is still to be determined, but is likely to be three to four months – so it is crucial they find suitable cover.
Free agent John Stones, another Chelsea and Inter Milan target, is on their list, as is West Ham’s versatile Aaron Wan-Bissaka – but not at £25m.
Maxence Lacroix was a player discussed briefly but is destined for Chelsea and Inter are reluctant to lose Jacobo Ramon.
Arsenal’s recent enquiry for Villa defender Ezri Konsa showed the clubs were miles apart. The Gunners value the England centre back at around £30-35m, Villa see it more like £60m. Konsa would like to join Arsenal but they know Villa’s stance.
Real Madrid’s Raul Asencio, now surplus at the Bernabeu, is another name to be floated.
In good news, at least Ben White is fit again and in no rush to depart. And as Daily Mail Sport revealed, Arsenal have also added highly-rated centre back Elijah Upson from neighbours Tottenham. Though compensation has still to be agreed for the 18-year-old son of former England defender Matthew, he could push himself into the first-team scene quickly.
Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix was discussed by Arsenal briefly but he is destined for Chelsea
Arsenal and Aston Villa have very different ideas about the value of Ezri Konsa (right)
Any youngsters in Arsenal’s sights?
Despite the disappointment of missing out to Manchester City in the race for 17-year-old winger Jeremy Monga, Arsenal are pushing to sign 16-year-old Crystal Palace striker Mylo Bernard. His contract expired last month, however, Palace have also offered improved terms.
Arsenal have spoken to Cardiff City too about Axel Donczew. The 16-year-old midfielder became the youngest player in Cardiff’s history last season.
And who’s heading for the exit?
Fulham have rekindled interest in winger Reiss Nelson, who needs to find regular game time after a disappointing loan at Brentford. Benfica and Valencia are also in the mix.
Charles Sagoe Jr is wanted by AIK in Sweden and Hamburg continue to try and appease Arsenal with offers for Fabio Vieira.
Eric Huwer, Hamburg’s chief financial officer, told German media yesterday: ‘We fell a bit in love with Fabio Vieira last year. We feel like we’re fighting for him every single day. We’ve also backed up our interest with Arsenal with financial figures, but right now, no one is flinching.
‘We’re confident we can make Fabio a very competitive offer within our means. We’re naturally very curious to see whether he and Arsenal will accept it.’
Indeed.
