Arsenal told to significantly increase Bruno Guimaraes offer to get deal done
Bruno Guimaraes may be waiting to see if Eddie Howe is still in charge of Newcastle United at the start of the season before making a decision on his future.
That is the opinion of former Tottenham, Everton and Aston Villa senior scout, Bryan King, who exclusively spoke to Football Insider.
The 28-year-old was the subject of an opening proposal from Arsenal last week, which was rejected by the Magpies.
But the Premier League champions remain interested in Guimaraes, and are reportedly set to make another bid for the Newcastle captain with two years remaining on his contract.
Eddie Howe's side has already been weakened by the exit of Anthony Gordon, who left the club in a £69million move to Barcelona.
Bruno Guimaraes exit depends on Eddie Howe future
Guimaraes is currently with Brazil at the World Cup, with any potential exit likely to heat up upon his return.
The midfielder enjoyed a brilliant season, scoring nine goals and providing five assists in 29 Premier League games, and has been starring on the international stage, too.
Newcastle insist that their captain is not for sale, but they will be placed in an uncomfortable position if he opts against signing fresh terms.
"It all depends what's going to happen with Eddie Howe," King told Football Insider. "There's been a lot of talk around him, hasn't there? Whether he's going to be staying or they're going to get rid of him or can he go any further with the team?
"Guimaraes is a very good player. He's well liked up there. He's captain of the football club. If he was going to go and if it was going to go to Arsenal, it would take more than 55 million, that is for sure."
Arsenal's interest in Guimaraes is long-term
Arsenal originally attempted to sign Guimaraes in 2020, when he was making his name at Brazilian side Athletico Pranaense.
They were beaten to the punch by Lyon, however, who signed the midfielder for around £17m.
Two years later, Arsenal were back again for the Brazilian, but it was Newcastle who beat them this time, paying around £40m for him.
The Premier League champions and Mikel Arteta will hope it will be third time lucky this summer.