Arsenal remain interested in signing Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes but the chances of a transfer actually being completed are low. The Gunners are expected to be busy this summer with a number of decisions needing to be made both regarding incomings and outgoings.
Like Guimaraes, Alexander Isak is another transfer target for Arsenal from the North East but the Magpies are far from keen on selling either. Isak’s sensational asking price also makes it likely he won’t leave, but there are some concerns surrounding Guimaraes.
Up until late June, a £100million release clause in the Brazil international’s contract can be activated with the exact details of the clause being revealed recently. Newcastle are already in a concerning financial fair play situation with a worst-case scenario now playing out for Eddie Howe’s side this past weekend.
Following Manchester United’s FA Cup triumph over Manchester City, Erik ten Hag’s side have earnt a spot in next season’s Europa League despite finishing eighth. Because of that, Chelsea have dropped down to the Europa Conference League with Newcastle missing out entirely as a result.
The financial impact of that cannot be understated with less matchday revenue available and prize money up for grabs. That could even cause Newcastle to sell one of their star players with Guimaraes perhaps more likely to depart than Isak although the former arriving at Emirates Stadium is unlikely.
“Arsenal have no plans to trigger the (£100m) release clause,” journalist Ben Jacobs revealed recently. “They will only consider a move if the price drops. Martin Zubimendi remains a more concrete possibility. Guimaraes has given every indication he’s happy at Newcastle, but an exit can’t be discounted due to the clause.”
The Real Sociedad star is a long-term transfer target of Arsenal and is another midfielder with a release clause that is active this summer. According to reports, it is in the region of €60million (£51m) although Bayern Munich and Barcelona are another two clubs interested in signing the Spain international.
