Arsenal and Manchester City are reportedly set to fight for the signing of Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes this summer.
The Brazilian is believed to have a release clause in the region of £100million, though interested clubs may strike a deal for a lower fee.
Magpies chief executive Darren Eales revealed earlier this year that the club may be forced to sell one of their key players in order to comply with Premier league profit and sustainability rules.
According to The Telegraph, this resulted in Arsenal registering their interest in striker Alexander Isak but they are now looking to swoop for Guimaraes as well.
However, Premier League title rivals Man City are also keen on the 26-year-old, who has been a leading light for Eddie Howe’s side since his 2022 signing from Lyon.
The report goes onto to say that Guimaraes is aware of the interest from the two clubs, the central midfielder has also been linked to French champions PSG.
Mikel Arteta prevailed in a battle with his old boss Pep Guardiola for the signing of Declan Rice from West Ham last summer.
‘I signed for the club and am happy for the club, we never know what is going to happen but for my part I am happy in the club,’ Guimaraes told a press conference ahead of the Brazil’s clash against England at Wembley last month.
‘We are disappointed about the season but we still have a chance to finish at least seventh and finish in the Europa League or Conference League to put the club in Europe again.
‘About the club staff, I cannot speak too much. I don’t know what is going to happen in the future but I am so grateful for Newcastle and happy for the club.’
Newcastle enjoyed phenomenal success last season to finish in the top four and reach the Carabao Cup final – but it’s come at a cost.
The Saudi owners have pumped in their money and Newcastle announced losses of £73.4m for the year ending June 2023 and £150m over the last two.
A host of unsuccessful summer signings and a raft of injuries has not helped the current hangover, though Howe’s side have recovered of late to sit sixth in the Premier League.
