Mark Douglas reports for i News that Bruno Guimaraes’ £100m release clause at Newcastle United expired on Monday night, putting Newcastle firmly in control of any potential sale.
All the same, Douglas adds that the expiry of the clause is unlikely to completely extinguish interest from Manchester City or Arsenal, who both rate the player closer to £80m anyway.
The report suggests one of the two clubs could make an offer later in the transfer window, though Newcastle don’t want to sell and such a bid is reportedly unlikely to succeed.
Earlier this month, James McNicholas reported for The Athletic that Arsenal’s admiration for Guimaraes was not expected to go further.
Ben Jacobs of CBS Sports added that Arsenal would only proceed with a move if the price dropped, before suggesting that Manchester City remain Guimaraes’ most likely destination, should he leave.
The player is reportedly happy where he is and not pushing for a move.
David Ornstein recently wrote that it’s not certain that Arsenal or any other club would see value in the player’s now-expired £100m clause, and the Gunners may not be interested at all if they decide to pursue an ‘8’ instead.
Guimaraes can play as a ‘6’ or an ‘8’, but both Arsenal and Newcastle see him more in the deeper role.
The 26-year-old midfielder made 50 appearances for Newcastle United last season, scoring seven goals and assisting 10, as well as picking up 14 yellow cards.