Alan Shearer has warned Arsenal they will not be able to sign Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes on the cheap, with the Magpies reportedly demanding £90m for the Brazilian international.
Shearer's warning to Arsenal
Speaking to Betfair, the Newcastle legend said: 'I think he'll stay. I think it would be a really bad look for Newcastle if they sold Tonali and Guimaraes. And there'd be a lot of angry fans and rightly so. Because he's a very, very talented player and I think he's been great for Newcastle.'
Shearer added: 'If Tonali was £100m then Bruno would be more than that if he was to go. Maybe this news is his agent trying to get a new deal out of Newcastle.'
Newcastle's asking price
According to Brazilian outlet Globo, Newcastle are demanding £90m for the 28-year-old, who has two years left on his contract. Arsenal have indicated they are prepared to go up to £70m for a player they have coveted since his breakthrough at Athletico Paranaense.
Newcastle could eventually earn £100m from the sale of Sandro Tonali to Tottenham, and Shearer believes a similar fee would be required for Guimaraes.
Arsenal's interest and midfield needs
Following Brazil's exit from the World Cup, Guimaraes is understood to have informed Newcastle of his desire to join the Premier League champions. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is keen to add depth to his midfield, especially with Declan Rice being nursed through the run-in last season due to back and hamstring strains.
Thomas Tuchel has also had to handle Rice with care during the World Cup, and it remains to be seen whether the England midfielder will be ready for the start of the new season.
Transfer history and context
The Gunners came close to signing Guimaraes when he left Lyon for the Premier League but were usurped by Newcastle's ambitious move. Having played a key role in establishing Newcastle as a force during his four-year spell at St James' Park, Guimaraes will not agitate for a move but has made no secret of his desire to join Arsenal and play for Arteta.
Newcastle are still recovering from a disappointing season that saw them fail to qualify for Europe, leading to the sales of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona and Sandro Tonali to Tottenham.
