Bruno Guimaraes could be moving closer to joining Arsenal, with Newcastle United reportedly considering Inter Milan midfielder Petar Sucic as a possible replacement for their captain.
The Brazilian’s future has developed into one of the main transfer stories of the summer, although a final decision now appears likely to arrive soon.
Newcastle representatives have repeatedly stated that they have not held direct negotiations with another club and have received no official proposal for Guimaraes. Arsenal, however, are believed to have been communicating through intermediaries while exploring the conditions required to complete the transfer.
Standard Sport reports that progress has been made in discussions over a possible agreement. Confidence is said to be increasing within Arsenal that the two clubs can eventually settle on a deal.
Arsenal move closer to Newcastle’s valuation
Newcastle had initially valued Guimaraes at a figure similar to the package Tottenham paid for Sandro Tonali, whose transfer was worth an initial £92 million.
A compromise may now be taking shape, with the final fee expected to fall between £75 million and £80 million. An agreement within that range is reportedly close to completion.
Losing Guimaraes would represent another major departure for Newcastle. The midfielder is the club captain and has become one of the most important players in the squad since arriving in the Premier League.
His influence in possession, ability to control the tempo and contribution in both defensive and attacking phases have made him central to Newcastle’s midfield. His exit would therefore leave the club needing an immediate and high quality replacement.
The Magpies are now believed to be preparing for that possibility by assessing several midfield options before the transfer window closes.
Newcastle consider offer for Petar Sucic
According to Corriere dello Sport, Newcastle have expressed interest in Inter Milan midfielder Petar Sucic. Leeds United are also reported to be monitoring the Croatia international.
Newcastle could submit an offer worth between €35 million and €40 million, which would equal approximately £30 million to £34 million.
Inter currently insist that Sucic is not available for transfer. The Italian club regard him as an important part of their plans and are reluctant to lose him after his impressive development during the previous campaign.
That position may be tested if Newcastle are prepared to meet Inter’s reported valuation of €45 million, around £38.4 million.
The Premier League club are understood to be ready to make an approach, even though Inter have shown no immediate intention of entering negotiations.
Sucic scored against Arsenal in the Champions League last season, a performance that further strengthened his growing reputation across Europe.
Interest in Sucic raises questions over Guimaraes future
Newcastle’s pursuit of a central midfielder will naturally be viewed as preparation for life without Guimaraes.
The club would need to replace not only his technical qualities but also his leadership and experience. Sucic is younger and has spent less time at the highest level, but his performances for Inter and Croatia suggest he could develop into a leading midfielder.
Despite being only 22, he has already secured an important role for both club and country.
Sucic made 54 appearances in all competitions for Inter last season, demonstrating his reliability across a demanding domestic and European schedule.
He also featured prominently for Croatia at the World Cup this summer, starting three matches during the tournament.
His ability to operate centrally, carry the ball and contribute in the final third makes him an attractive option for Newcastle. The club may also see his age as an opportunity to sign a player who can improve further over several seasons.
Transfer saga approaches decisive stage
Arsenal’s growing confidence suggests that the Guimaraes negotiations may soon enter their final phase.
The Gunners have been searching for another elite midfielder and view the Newcastle captain as a player capable of strengthening their title ambitions. His Premier League experience would also allow him to adapt quickly without needing a long period of adjustment.
Newcastle continue to maintain that no official bid has arrived, but their reported interest in Sucic indicates that contingency plans are already being considered.
Inter’s refusal to sell could complicate those plans, especially if they insist on receiving the full €45 million valuation.
The next developments are likely to depend on whether Arsenal submit a formal proposal for Guimaraes and whether Newcastle decide to test Inter’s determination to keep Sucic.
