Bruno Guimaraes set to leave Newcastle as Gunners push for midfield ace

Bruno Guimaraes is on the verge of leaving Newcastle United this summer after requesting a transfer, with Arsenal leading the race for the Brazil international midfielder.

Newcastle United are preparing for life without Bruno Guimaraes after the Brazil international midfielder asked to leave the club this summer. Sources told Football Insider that Arsenal have emerged as the frontrunners to sign the 25-year-old, who has been a key figure for Eddie Howe’s side.

Guimaraes, Newcastle’s club captain, has been a consistent performer since joining from Lyon in January 2022. But his future now looks uncertain as the Magpies brace for another major exit. The Gunners are ready to move fast to land their top target, with Newcastle expected to demand a hefty fee.

Guimaraes isn’t just another player-he’s the club’s captain and a midfield linchpin. Howe has built his side around the Brazilian’s energy, leadership and ability to break up play. Losing him would be a hammer blow, especially after Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon already left in the same transfer window.

Newcastle have already spent big to replace Gordon, signing Bazoumana Toure for £42m and Sean Steur for £23m. But replacing Guimaraes will be far tougher. The Magpies are now hunting for midfield reinforcements while also chasing Alexander Sorloth up front.

Newcastle’s owners, PIF, have made it clear they won’t hold back on spending. With Tonali, Gordon and now Guimaraes all linked with moves away, the club is set to reinvest the proceeds into new signings. Howe’s squad is being picked apart, and the window isn’t even closed.

The Magpies are also monitoring Atletico Madrid striker Alexander Sorloth, but his move hinges on Julian Alvarez staying put. If Alvarez leaves, Sorloth could become available-but Newcastle won’t gamble on both departures.

Arsenal have identified Guimaraes as a priority target to bolster their midfield. Mikel Arteta’s side has been linked with several high-profile names, but the Gunners see the Newcastle captain as the ideal replacement for Declan Rice.

A deal for Guimaraes would signal Arteta’s intent to push for a top-four finish next season. The Brazil international’s arrival would add steel, creativity and leadership-exactly what Arsenal have lacked in big moments.

Newcastle’s transfer activity on 13 July 2026