Arsenal have been heavily linked recently with a move for Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes and David Ornstein has shared his take on the situation.

Guimaraes has been one of the standout performers in central midfield ever since he arrived from Lyon.

However, that form for Newcastle has seen others come sniffing, with Arsenal said to be super keen on adding him to their already blossoming squad. Manchester City, too, also admire the Brazilian.

It is common knowledge that Guimaraes has a £100m release-clause in his contract at St James’ Park and with Arsenal ready to spend this summer, that’s caused the rumour mill to start.

And speaking on the potential of a summer deal, respected journalist David Ornstein has shared what he knows.

Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal is a possibility

Giving a lengthy response on Guimaraes to Arsenal for his latest Athletic Q&A, Ornstein had the following to say on the matter.

“Arsenal really like Bruno as an option if they are to recruit a No 6. He can also operate at No 8 — but Newcastle, Arsenal and others view him as a No 6. Arsenal also have a long-standing interest in Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad) for that position and no doubt there will be more candidates on their list,” Ornstein said.

“However, if it is decided Declan Rice will play at No 6 permanently — and depending on what happens with other Arsenal players in that role, like Thomas Partey and Albert Sambi Lokonga — it is not guaranteed they will recruit a No 6. They may instead focus on a No 8.

“Bruno has a £100million ($126m) release clause (with activation dates, as has been reported). I’m not sure if Arsenal or anyone else will want/be able to pay that level of money for him, although there are always other solutions that can be explored to try to make such a signing possible.

“Newcastle, however, do not want to lose him. I doubt they would welcome interest for below-the-clause value — unless their PSR (profit and sustainability regulations) situation dictates they have to and the required finance can’t be raised through alternative means. But the fact there is a clause dictates they are not fully in control of this situation.

“Bruno seems extremely happy at Newcastle and that works in their favour. That said, few players would decline a move to a club such as Arsenal — especially given what is happening there at the moment — should the sides pursue a deal.”

Money could talk here

If Arsenal match that £100m clause then Newcastle will be powerless really when it comes to resisting.

The other matter is that despite PIF’s riches, Arsenal will offer huge wages and someone like Bruno is going to be put among the top earners, of which Kai Havertz currently tops on around £280k-a-week.

Newcastle fans and Eddie Howe will want to see Guimaraes retained.

But for Arsenal, the idea of him partnering up with Declan Rice is something to really salivate over.

That sort of midfield puts them at elite level and with those two and Martin Odegaard dovetailing around them, the sky would be the limit for the Gunners.

Arsenal spent £100m on a midfielder last summer and it’s gone brilliantly. This summer, then, they might well be tempted to do the same.

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