Bruno Guimaraes 'tapped up' by Arsenal amid transfer saga

Bruno Guimaraes has been the target of an **illegal** approach by Arsenal this summer, according to a leading scout.

What happened?

Newcastle United captain **Bruno Guimaraes** has been **'tapped up'** by Arsenal, a move described as **illegal** under FIFA and Premier League rules. The 29-year-old Brazil international has reportedly asked to join the Gunners this summer, despite having two years left on his contract with a third-year option.

Former Aston Villa, Tottenham and Everton scout **Bryan King** told **Football Insider** that if Guimaraes has indeed requested a move, the act of contacting him and his agent before Newcastle’s permission is against regulations. King added: “If it’s true that he wants to leave, then he’s been tapped up, that’s for sure, which is illegal.”

Why it matters for Bruno Guimaraes

Guimaraes is Newcastle’s captain and a fan favorite, but his desire to join a title-challenging club like Arsenal suggests he sees his current window closing. At 29-turning 30 in November-he has yet to win a league title and may feel this is his last realistic chance to join a club capable of winning the Premier League.

Newcastle have already lost midfielder **Sandro Tonali** this summer for around £50m to Tottenham. They are unlikely to accept less than £100m for Guimaraes, a fee Arsenal may struggle to match as they look to bolster their midfield depth.

What the scout says

King emphasized the rarity of clubs complaining about **tapping up**, noting only isolated cases like Nottingham Forest’s protest over Tottenham’s approach for **Morgan Gibbs-White** last summer. He described Guimaraes as “the idol of the Geordies” and stressed that if he wants to leave, a move to a bigger club-like Bayern Munich, Barcelona or Benfica-would come at a steep price.

“He’s not going to just walk out of the club,” King said. “If he’s got two years left on his contract, he’s going to cost a lot of money.”

What comes next?

Newcastle face a harsh reality: Guimaraes may need to be sold to let him chase trophies elsewhere. The Magpies have made no progress since winning the Carabao Cup in 2023, and their project appears stalled. A sale could fund reinforcements-or signal the end of their current ambitions.

Arsenal have told Newcastle they would accept an £80m offer for Guimaraes, per reports. Whether that’s enough to break the deadlock remains unclear as both clubs weigh their options this summer.