Arsenal 'make contact' with Premier League rivals over £100m star

Arsenal are now back to second in the league following Manchester City’s 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur last night. Pep Guardiola’s side have two points over the Gunners heading into the final match of the season but latest transfer reports now indicate that these two sides will continue their battle into June.

Both the Emirates and Etihad Stadium clubs are said to have ‘made contact’ with the camp of Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes. Transfer expert Ben Jacobs, via CaughtOffSide, has said that Arsenal are in need of a top midfield signing with Thomas Partey having struggled with injuries and a lack of replacement for Granit Xhaka.

Guimaraes, who has 15 goals in 85 Premier League matches for Newcastle, would offer an excellent solution with Jacobs adding that the Gunners have now joined Manchester City in initiating contact over a potential deal when the summer transfer window opens up in two weeks time.

The report has also noted that the Gunners are unlikely to face competition from Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain who had initially viewed the 20-time Brazilian international as a key priority but have now turned their attentions towards Man City’s Bernardo Silva.

In his report, Jacobs said: “Newcastle also don’t want to lose Bruno Guimaraes but the decision could be taken out of their hands if someone triggers his £100m release clause, which is valid between late May and the end of June.

“As long as the clause is active, Newcastle are going to simply point to its value, but it’s understood offers exceeding £80m could be entertained should Guimaraes wish to leave for a Champions League club. It should be stressed, Guimaraes is happy at Newcastle, but it’s also true that both Manchester City and Arsenal have made contact with his camp.

“Manchester City are the most active of the suitors. Arsenal appreciate Guimaraes, but have no intention to trigger his clause meaning they would only enter the race if the price drops.”

In October, the 26-year-old signed a contract extension with the Magpies, which should see him remain at St James’s Park until 2028. After beginnings his career with Audax, the central midfielder headed to Athletico Paranaense before joining Lyon in 2020.

He then signed for Newcastle in 2022 on a reported fee of up to £40m but two exceptionally impressive seasons has seen his value shoot up and with the Magpies needing to consider their books ahead of Financial Fair Play deadlines, they will seek to sell their star playmaker for as much as they are able.