Eddie Howe has not reassured fans that Newcastle can retain captain Bruno Guimaraes this summer, especially with Arsenal showing significant interest.
The Premier League champions are reportedly preparing a £70m bid for the Brazilian midfielder, who has yet to join the Newcastle squad following his World Cup participation.
Howe spoke about Guimaraes’ future after the team’s pre-season friendly that ended in a 1-1 draw with Gateshead on Saturday. While he mentioned that he has been in contact with the player, he remains uncertain about what the end of August will bring.
“I’ve communicated with him, which is what I usually do with Bruno,” Howe stated. “He is a wonderful individual, and we’ve had some productive discussions before, during, and after the World Cup. The content of our conversations needs to stay private, but he is an exceptional player and person.”
Eddie Howe addressed the media after a pre-season friendly draw with Gateshead (PA)
“Honestly, I’m not sure what will happen with Bruno. Speculation is up to others, as are conversations I’m not involved in,” he added.
After a disappointing World Cup where the team exited in the last 16 to Norway, Guimaraes is set to join Newcastle’s pre-season camp in Spain this coming Friday, as he is currently enjoying time off with his family.
Concerns have arisen that he might echo the earlier transfer drama involving Alexander Isak, who had refused to play to secure a transfer to Liverpool last summer.
Concerns have been raised over similarities between the transfer situations of Bruno Guimaraes (left) and Alexander Isak (Owen Humphreys/PA) (PA Archive)
However, Howe has dismissed these comparisons, emphasizing that he expects Guimaraes to train normally, even if he expresses a desire to move on. “I don’t believe it’s fair to draw comparisons to the past; each situation needs to be viewed independently,” he remarked.
“Bruno is our captain. He has consistently been an incredible player and individual throughout our time together. I can confidently say that everyone at the club appreciates him and wishes for him to stay.”
“Our intention is for him to return on July 31. His World Cup participation has granted him an extended break, and he is currently having a holiday with his family… There’s no indication that Bruno won’t be back training with us.”