Eddie Howe said he has had ‘really good conversations’ with Bruno Guimaraes this summer as he looks to convince the player to snub transfer interest from Arsenal to stay in Newcastle this summer.
The Gunners are keen to add Guimaraes in a bid to bolster Mikel Arteta’s midfield options this summer, though Newcastle are desperate to keep the Brazilian on Tyneside after already losing key players in Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali earlier in the window.
Arsenal are said to be preparing a £70m bid for the player, though Newcastle are expected to reject the offer. The Geordies are understood to be frustrated by what they perceive as attempts by Arsenal to unsettle the Brazilian.
Howe, meanwhile, is under pressure to respond after enduring a frustrating 2025/26 campaign which saw the Magpies finish 12th in the league, and he can ill afford to lose a keystone part of his midfield.
And, speaking after being held to a 1-1 pre-season draw by non-league Gateshead, Howe said he was in the dark as to whether Guimaraes would stay or go this summer, saying he is ‘not a part’ of conversations regarding his future.
“I’ve spoken to Bruno before, during and after the World Cup. We have had some really good conversations. He’s just a fantastic person,” said Howe.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen with his future, that’s for other people to speculate about. There’s conversations I’m not part of.”
He went on, imploring the player not to leave: “He’s captain of our club and been an unbelievable player, through the whole time we have worked together.
“I speak on behalf of everyone at the club, we absolutely love him and of course everyone would love him to stay.”
Guimaraes, fresh off the back of an underwhelming World Cup campaign with Brazil, played no part in the Gateshead friendly as he remains on his summer holidays. He is set to join back up with Newcastle on July 31.
Newcastle are chiefly concerned this summer with avoiding a drawn-out transfer saga surrounding Guimaraes. They were stung last summer by Alexander Isak’s months-long attempt to shoehorn his way out of the club, an ordeal which saw him go on strike before ultimately signing for Liverpool in a record deal.
