Former Newcastle star Chris Waddle says he is ‘surprised’ by Arsenal’s interest in signing Bruno Guimaraes, questioning how the midfielder will fit into Mikel Arteta’s starting XI.
Arsenal have focussed their efforts on securing a deal for Guimaraes to further strengthen their title-winning midfield in recent days, with hopes of landing top target Vinicius Junior seemingly dwindling.
Guimaraes informed the Magpies of his desire to push through a switch to north London at the start of the summer and the Brazil international is expected to get his wish following a major breakthrough in discussions.
It’s understood the reigning Premier League champions have shaken hands with Newcastle on a £75million fee for Guimaraes and the 28-year-old is preparing to undergo a medical this week.
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He is set to depart St James’ Park as the only Newcastle captain since 1955 to lift a domestic trophy after leading the Toon to Carabao Cup glory last year.
Considering Arsenal’s strength in depth in the middle of the park, though, Guimaraes’ impending move to the Emirates has left ex-Newcastle and England winger Waddle a little puzzled.
‘I don’t know where Bruno Guimaraes will play for Arsenal if he makes the move to north London,’ Waddle, who played for the Magpies from 1980 to 1985, told BetBrain.
‘Declan Rice had a more advanced role last season and Martin Zubimendi sat deeper. They had a good midfield system last year, so you have to question where he’ll fit in.
‘Guimaraes is an all-round player, he isn’t scared in possession, and he’s got the legs to go up and down the pitch.
‘But Arsenal have already got very similar players so I’m quite surprised they’ve gone all in for him.’
While Arsenal are willing to part with vast sums to land Guimaraes, Waddle is unsure where the Brazilian will fit into Arteta’s side.
‘There’s no doubt he’s a good acquisition if they’re going to be challenging for three or four trophies next season, as they’ll need to rest players,’ he added.
‘I don’t know how he’ll fit into the starting XI, though.’
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According to Sky Sports, Newcastle have been less than impressed with the approach Arsenal have taken in coaxing Guimaraes to the capital.
‘This started six weeks ago when intermediaries, essentially middle men, contacted Newcastle and asked if Bruno Guimaraes would be available and could he go to Arsenal,’ north east reporter Keith Downie explained on Sky Sports News.
‘It was around about then that Bruno Guimaraes intimated that he would be willing to speak to Arsenal and would be up for moving to the Premier League champions.
‘I think what perplexed Newcastle over the last five or six weeks is the way Arsenal have gone about things. There was no direct contact, no formal offer, everything was played out through intermediares and that really confused Newcastle to an extent.
‘He will be a real big miss to this football club but it does leave Newcastle with money to spend in this transfer window, having now brought in £245m for Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and Bruno Guimaraes combined.’
Guimaraes is set to become Arsenal’s third new recruit of the summer transfer window, following in the footsteps of Christos Tzolis and free agent Illan Meslier.
The Gunners have also activated their £35m option to sign Piero Hincapie outright from Bayer Leverkusen on the back of a the defender’s impressive loan spell.
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