Arsenal on alert as Newcastle make decision on Guimaraes and Isak

Tom Weber

Updated: 20 Apr 2024 13:58 BST
3 min read

Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes, Arsenal — © IMAGO

Newcastle would rather sell Bruno Guimaraes than Alexander Isak, according to a report.

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The Magpies are in for a big summer, but it might not be an entirely positive one. Financial Fair Play restrictions will likely mean that Newcastle will have to make at least one big sale, which could potentially be very painful.

Speculation around which player could be the one to depart has been rampant in recent months, though the general consensus appears to be that it will be fan-favourite Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian only penned a new deal with Eddie Howe's side last year, but his contract contains a release clause in excess of €100 million.

That money would alleviate the Magpies' concerns, though Alexander Isak has also been mentioned as a potential candidate to leave. The in-form striker, however, has dismissed the transfer rumours surrounding his future. The fact of the matter is, though, that someone will likely have to leave and both stars have been linked with Arsenal.

Newcastle to sell Bruno?

On Friday, The Athletic's David Ornstein revealed that Guimaraes is firmly on Arsenal's radar ahead of the summer and journalist Ben Jacobs now claims that it is the 26-year-old who looks the most likely to depart.

Jacobs asserts that Newcastle would rather sell the midfielder than star striker Isak. This is certainly a sensible decision. FootballTransfers understands that the Magpies would prefer not to have to dip into the market for a new centre-forward this summer, though their hand may be forced given the uncertain future of Callum Wilson.

Intriguingly, Jacobs adds that Newcastle won't insist on Guimaraes' release clause being triggered. It is thought that there is a verbal agreement that states that the club will entertain offers in excess of €93m from Champions League clubs. Newcastle would naturally prefer to keep the midfielder, but they are braced for concrete summer interest.