Bruno Guimaraes plays for Newcastle United during the Sela Cup match between Newcastle United and RCD Espanyol at St. James s Park in Newcastle, United Kingdom, on August 8, 2025

Bruno Guimaraes is one of Newcastle United's most talented players.Imago

Alex Scott among three stars Newcastle could sign after exit 'bombshell' - verdict

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

09 Jul 2026, 6:00 pm

Eddie Howe continues to be backed into a corner by members of his own Newcastle United squad this summer.

PIF have shown very little interest in the market so far, despite completing deals for Bazoumana Toure and Ewen Jaouen, and fans are frustrated.

While Anthony Gordon has been replaced on the left flank, the Magpies remain two steps behind everyone else, having now lost Sandro Tonali.

Signing for Tottenham Hotspur in a deal worth £100million, plus Gordon's £69m transfer fee, now Newcastle have no reason not to spend this summer.

However, it is understood that Bruno Guimaraes has dropped the bombshell informing the club of his desire to leave, with Arsenal ready to offer £60m for his services.

This is yet another blow to Howe's squad, especially after an already difficult 2025-26 campaign, and Newcastle will now be scrambling for replacements.

Newcastle United gem could be key

One of the players who could replace Guimaraes for the season ahead is right under Howe's nose in the shape of an academy graduate.

Lewis Miley, set to return from injury during pre-season, missed the final three games of the campaign, but is more than capable of holding his own in the middle of the park.

The 20-year-old was often asked to play out of position at St James' Park last term, but two huge names leaving could open the door for his development to soar.

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Battle for Ayyoub Bouaddi just became more interesting

Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi's future has been a huge talking point at the 2026 World Cup, as he continues to impress with Morocco on the international stage.

Manchester City, Manchester United, PSG and Bayern Munich are all tracking the 18-year-old, but game time could be the one advantage that Newcastle hold over all of them.

A deal is unlikely to be simple or cost-effective, but in such an integral part of the pitch, can Howe afford to be cutting corners? Absolutely not.

Alex Scott has Premier League experience

As an alternative, Newcastle could look to raid Bournemouth for Alex Scott, which could be made easier by Andoni Iraola's departure.

Multiple clubs, including the Magpies, are said to be keeping an eye on the 22-year-old following an incredible 2025-26 campaign at the Vitality Stadium.

His rise to the top has been quite special to watch, but with a price tag of up to £80m, it may all come back to Howe wanting to put his trust in Miley once he returns from injury.

Newcastle have a lot of thinking to do over the coming weeks, but if Guimaraes does seal his exit, those thoughts must become actions very soon.

Sandro Tonali