Eddie Howe’s departure could reshape Newcastle’s summer, and Arsenal’s determination to land Bruno Guimarães shows no sign of fading.
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Arsenal‘s pursuit of Bruno Guimarães has taken on added significance after it was announced that Eddie Howe has decided to leave Newcastle United with immediate effect and the Gunners now said to be close to a £70m+ deal for the midfielder.
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Howe has chosen to step down, with Matthias Jaissle (currently with Al Ahli, owned by the same people as own the Magpies) emerging as the leading candidate to replace him, with the development following a turbulent summer at Newcastle that has seen a number of key players sold.
Guimarães, it seems, was the final straw.
Arsenal’s interest in Guimarães, of course, predates the latest developments at St James’ Park and remains rooted in the club’s desire to strengthen their midfield, with the Brazilian reportedly willing to join and personal terms not an issue.
The biggest obstacle to date has been Newcastle – and Howe’s – determination to keep one of their most influential players.
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They had already rejected approaches from Arsenal and, under Howe, remained reluctant to sanction a sale, due to significant player turnover already this summer with Anthony Gordon joining Barcelona and Sandro Tonali moving to Tottenham.
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Howe’s departure, coupled with the player’s desire to become a Gunner, finally opened the door for Arsenal.
Asked about Bruno last night, before it was announced he was leaving, he reportedly said “what will be, will be” before admitting he had ‘lost control of transfers’.
Luke Edwards, Newcastle reporter for the Telegraph who accused Arsenal of disrespect for submitting a bid for the player on the day that Kevin Keegan‘s death was announced, added “Howe believed Bruno Guimaraes will be sold this summer.. the final straw”.
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The S*n now report that deal is close to agreement.
Speaking ahead of the campaign, Mikel Arteta made it clear Arsenal intend to strengthen further as they look to build a squad capable of reaching another level.
“A lot is happening. From ownership to the board, the sporting director and myself, we want to take this club to a different level,” he said.
“That is going to require a better squad and better individuals. We have identified where we have opportunities to grow and improve and evolve our game and what is going to be needed to achieve that.
“Hopefully very soon we can start to put things in a very concrete way.
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“Excellence has to be our standard, the way we behave daily with more and more determination and ambition.
“We have to show we belong at this level and want to increase and take this club to a different dimension.”
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
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