Chelsea have no plans to compete with Arsenal for Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, according to reports from three reliable journalists.
Arsenal remain determined to bring the Brazilian international to north London after winning the Premier League and reaching the Champions League final last season. Mikel Arteta wants to strengthen his midfield, and Guimaraes has emerged as one of the club’s main targets for the summer transfer window.
Fabrizio Romano reported earlier in July that Newcastle had already rejected two approaches from Arsenal. The first offer was worth £55 million, while a second package valued at around £65 million was also turned down.
According to Romano, an offer between £65 million and £90 million could help move negotiations forward. Guimaraes has reportedly informed Newcastle that he would like to join Arsenal, although he does not intend to force his departure or damage his relationship with the club.
Arsenal expected to submit a £70 million proposal
Romano later revealed that Arsenal are preparing another offer worth approximately £70 million. The midfielder is also said to have reached a full agreement with the Gunners over personal terms.
Guimaraes has accepted Arsenal’s proposed contract and is open to joining Arteta’s project. However, the Brazilian wants Newcastle to make the final decision and does not plan to create problems behind the scenes.
Newcastle continue to insist that the midfielder is not available for transfer. The club would only reconsider its position if Arsenal submitted a proposal strong enough to change the hierarchy’s stance.
Arsenal previously made a verbal offer of £55 million plus £10 million in possible bonuses. That approach was rejected, but those involved in the negotiations expect the London club to return with an improved package.
The next offer is likely to reach £70 million. Arsenal understand that this amount may still fall short of Newcastle’s valuation, but they hope it will reduce the difference between the two clubs and reopen serious discussions.
The Gunners believe an agreement could eventually be reached for slightly more than £70 million. At the same time, they are not prepared to meet an excessive asking price.
Guimaraes wants the transfer without forcing an exit
The midfielder’s position could play an important role in the negotiations. Guimaraes has reportedly made it clear to Newcastle that he would welcome a move to Arsenal, but he intends to remain respectful toward his current employers.
Rather than submitting a transfer request or publicly demanding a departure, the Brazilian has left the decision in Newcastle’s hands. This approach allows Arsenal to continue negotiations without creating an open conflict between the player and the club.
Arteta views Guimaraes as a player capable of adding control, physical strength and technical quality to his midfield. Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta is now expected to lead the next stage of discussions with Newcastle.
Chelsea have not entered the race for the midfielder
Chelsea had previously been linked with Guimaraes, with journalist Simon Phillips reporting interest from the west London club. More recent information, however, indicates that the Blues are not considering a bid.
Ben Jacobs and Alex Crook of talkSPORT have both stated that Chelsea’s owners, BlueCo, do not intend to challenge Arsenal for the Newcastle midfielder. Daily Mail reporter Bobby Manzi has also denied that Chelsea have made contact regarding a possible transfer.
Jacobs reported that Chelsea are not expected to join the race and have neither approached Newcastle nor submitted an offer. Arsenal therefore remain fully focused on completing the deal without competition from the Blues.
Crook added that Premier League clubs increasingly expect Guimaraes to join Arsenal, even though Newcastle continue to maintain that the player is not for sale.
Manzi also reported that Chelsea have never enquired about the Brazilian international. According to his information, the club are not involved in the negotiations, leaving Arsenal as the main side attempting to secure Guimaraes this summer.
