Arsenal Targets Bruno Guimaraes Amid Newcastle's Froholdt Interest
Arsenal’s summer plan is clear. They want Bruno Guimaraes, and they want him now.
An opening bid has already gone in and been knocked back by Newcastle, but that has not cooled the pursuit. Far from it. The Brazilian is understood to have told those at St James’ Park he wants the move to north London, even as he trains with his current team-mates at their pre-season camp in Spain.
Personal terms? Those are believed to be in place, with reports of a five-year contract already agreed. The tug of war now sits squarely between the two clubs.
Newcastle, though, are not standing still.
Newcastle move on Froholdt
As Arsenal circle Guimaraes, Newcastle have started to line up a potential successor. According to O Jogo, they have made their first concrete move for Porto midfielder Victor Froholdt, contacting the Dane’s representatives to explore a transfer.
It is a calculated step. Newcastle have taken a few public blows in the market over the past year, so they are testing Froholdt’s appetite before going anywhere near Porto with an official offer.
That appetite might be the hardest part of the deal.
Froholdt has repeatedly stated he is happy where he is. Fresh from being named Primeira Liga’s Player of the Season, he has every reason to feel settled at a club that expects to compete for trophies.
“People talk about taking the next step, but for me Porto is already a huge club,” he said recently. “I am focused on the next league match. I like being here. Now we are going all out for the championship.”
Those are not the words of a player agitating for a move.
A costly release clause and a delicate chain
Even if Froholdt softens his stance, the numbers are daunting. His release clause sits at £73.4 million, a figure that instantly turns any negotiation into a high-wire act. Porto have not yet received a formal approach, and they hold all the leverage.
For Newcastle, the situation is tight. Lose Guimaraes without a clear replacement and they weaken the very core of Eddie Howe’s side. Go all in on Froholdt and they run straight into one of Europe’s toughest negotiating rooms.
For Arsenal, the picture is more straightforward but no less tense. They have their target, they know he wants the move, and there is a growing expectation that a deal can be struck in the coming days.
Whether that happens may depend on what unfolds in Porto’s offices and in Froholdt’s mind. If Newcastle can’t tempt the Dane away from a title charge in Portugal, how bold are they prepared to be with Guimaraes on the line?
