Arsenal told transfer target is 'priceless' as Newcastle and Man Utd eye alternative

Arsenal want to improve their squad ahead of their Premier League title defence but they may have a difficult time signing Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes even with the Magpies eyeing alternatives

Newcastle remain keen to keep Bruno Guimaraes amid interest in the Brazilian from Arsenal, with the club viewing his talents as 'priceless'. The Magpies have already dismissed a verbal offer for their captain, with Guimaraes' representatives said to have spoken to both clubs.

Eddie Howe wants to keep his star player and Newcastle have relayed the message that he is not for sale. There may be some concern remaining that the 28-year-old's team have engaged in transfer talks, but Newcastle plan to offer a new contract to Guimaraes.

They are not confident enough to forgo a contingency plan, report Mail Online, having already sold Sandro Tonali to Tottenham. The Italian midfielder moved to north London in a £100million move.

Conversations are said to have taken place over Felix Nmecha, a target for Manchester United. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder is on Newcastle's radar but will not come cheaply.

The Bundesliga side have slapped an asking price in excess of £100m on their player, who has a fan in Red Devils director of football Jason Wilcox. He was a vital part of Manchester City's academy during Nmecha's 14-year spell at the club.

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Monaco's Lamine Camara was also a target for Newcastle but that move appears unlikely to happen. Newcastle should have some spending power after the departures of Tonali and Anthony Gordon already this summer.

Guimaraes joined Newcastle in January 2022, despite interest from Arsenal. The Brazilian's move marked the second time the Gunners had missed out on the Brazil international after Lyon beat them to the punch two years earlier.

The Magpies' £40m move saw them act more decisively, which was appreciated by the player's camp during a World Cup year.

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"Newcastle arrived and they got serious. Bruno couldn't wait another six months to decide his future in a World Cup year," he said.

Guimaraes has made 195 appearances since arriving at St James' Park and was a key figure as Newcastle lifted their first major domestic trophy in 70 years by winning the Carabao Cup. The midfield is seen as one of Tyneside's most passionate figures on the pitch.

Arsenal are looking to strengthen elsewhere. One of their priorities is to improve the left side of their attack. Arteta's side have been strongly linked to Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers and Bradley Barcola of PSG.

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