Newcastle United sporting director Ross Wilson has confirmed that the club never intended to sell captain Bruno Guimaraes during the summer transfer window, but accepted the midfielder’s request to join Arsenal after he made his desire to leave clear.
Arsenal are poised to finalise a £75 million deal for the 28‑year‑old Brazilian international, bringing an end to his three‑and‑a‑half‑year spell at St James’ Park.
What we had to weigh up was, very respectfully from Bruno with his behaviour towards us, very emotionally as well, he effectively told us he wanted to leave and move on.
— Ross Wilson
Wilson added that Newcastle had hoped to retain one of their most influential players, but Guimaraes’s wish to depart became a decisive factor once negotiations reached an acceptable financial level.
The club’s chief executive, David Hopkinson, described the talks with Arsenal as tough, with both sides standing firm on the valuation of a player widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s best midfielders.
You’re dealing with very sophisticated actors on each side. That’s what negotiation looks like. It’s a fee that satisfies us. If you want to put a merchandising spin on it, it’s the highest fee for a player in that position at that age, and all those things come into play. Is it a good deal for Newcastle United? I believe it is, but Arsenal are getting a very special player and person. It’s worked from a financial perspective for both sides.
— David Hopkinson
Guimaraes has already bade an emotional farewell to teammates and staff after leaving Newcastle’s pre‑season training camp in Spain ahead of completing the switch to the Premier League champions.
His departure means Newcastle have now lost four key players in less than a year. Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon both exited during the current window to join Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona respectively, while Alexander Isak completed a move to Liverpool last summer.
Newcastle are intensifying their search for a replacement before the transfer window closes on 1 September. While four of the club’s five summer signings are teenagers, the Magpies are now targeting a more experienced midfielder to strengthen the squad.
Wilson, however, insisted Newcastle will not rush into the market merely to fill the void, stating they want to avoid making mistakes just to tick a box.
About the Author
