Arsenal told by agent Newcastle star available for £50m

Bruno Guimaraes’ representatives believe they had an informal deal with Newcastle United to listen to bids of around £50m, prompting Arsenal’s pursuit of the midfielder.

Luke Edwards reports for The Telegraph that Arsenal’s initial move for Bruno Guimaraes was based on information from intermediaries that the midfielder could leave Newcastle United for around £50m.

The player’s representatives reportedly claim to have had a conversation with former Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley, who apparently said the club would be willing to listen to offers in that region if they failed to qualify for the Champions League.

But if that informal agreement genuinely existed, Newcastle are now refusing to honour it. With Staveley gone, Newcastle want a similar amount to the £100m Tottenham Hotspur paid for Sandro Tonali.

Edwards adds that Guimaraes would like the move to Arsenal, and he’s informed Newcastle of this, but he’ll only push for a transfer if the Gunners get close to Newcastle’s valuation. As it stands, the player is set to return to pre-season training later this month.

Newcastle have reportedly told Guimaraes’ agent and the intermediaries involved in the potential move that they won’t even consider any offers that don’t get close to their valuation.

Multiple sources have suggested that personal terms will be no issue. The player wants to live in London, he wants to work with Mikel Arteta, he wants to play in the Champions League, and he wants to win trophies.

But none of that is going to matter if Arsenal and Newcastle can’t close the gap on a fee.

• Arteta pulls no punches after Arsenal shambles at Brighton
  Mikel Arteta gave a blunt verdict after Arsenal’s nine-match winning run ended at Brighton, pointing to the failings that decided the game.
• Brighton & Arsenal teams released
  Arsenal face Brighton in matchweek five with the chance to make history by opening a season with eight consecutive wins for the first time.
• Arsenal pencil in injury return date for van Domselaar
  Arsenal have given their clearest indication yet of when Daphne van Domselaar could return as Renee Slegers provides a fresh update on her recovery.
• Arteta confirms Arsenal Pro Ref meeting
  Mikel Arteta confirms Arsenal met Pro Ref after the Sunderland penalty row, with the discussion focused on the decision rather than another apology.
• Arteta responds to Max Dowman January loan questions
  Mikel Arteta says Arsenal will assess Max Dowman every six months as January loan talk grows, but the teenager remains firmly in first-team plans.