Arsenal's Bruno Guimaraes offer 'an insult' as Newcastle's asking price named

Newcastle United should be insulted by Arsenal's opening offer for Bruno Guimaraes and will demand at least £80million.

That is according to former senior Aston Villa, Everton and Tottenham senior scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.

The Gunners failed with an initial proposal reportedly worth £55m, with the Magpies keen to resist all attempts to sign their captain this summer.

Guimaraes has just two years remaining on his contract, however, and is said to be considering his future at St James' Park.

It is unclear how Sandro Tonali's future will affect a potential deal, also, after Tottenham agreed a £100m fee to sign him.

Arsenal are looking to bolster their ranks after finally winning the Premier League title, with Guimaraes viewed as an ideal partner for Declan Rice.

Bryan King outlines Newcastle United situation

Newcastle find themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to Guimaraes.

Eddie Howe will be desperate not to sell his captain and most important player, but the Magpies may have no choice.

Should the Brazil international opt against signing a new contract and ask to leave, decision-makers will find themselves in the Alexander Isak situation all over again.

The Swede eventually got his way, and Newcastle's season was undoubtedly damaged by the saga.

"You're going to have to pay more than 55 million for him if he was to leave," King told Football Insider when asked about Guimaraes.

"I wouldn't let him go if it was my football club. It's a great support up there, he's really well liked. It would take a lot of money to get him out of that football club.

"I would definitely say £80m, but then where do you put it in perspective of [Elliot] Anderson? I would say if it's true they've offered £55m, that's an insult. I'm not sure whether he wants to leave.

"But there again, it's all about finance, isn't it? You know, in two years time, you're not going to get £80m for him, are you? He's 30 years old. And that might affect on what kind of wages he'd be offered or what kind of contract period he'd be offered."

Eddie Howe addressed Guimaraes interest in March

In March, rumours emerged that suggested that Guimaraes was in talks with Manchester United.

Howe moved to quickly dismiss those rumours. In a press conference, he said: "I don’t know how to respond, I don’t even think I should. It’s a waste of my energy. Bruno is our captain and he’s injured. His only focus is coming back to fitness."

"In the summer you can sort of understand those stories a little bit more because the transfer window is open, but to say our captain is in discussions with another club is totally disrespectful to Bruno more than anybody else. He’s totally committed here," he added.

Howe's comments will now face the test of time, with Newcastle's failure to have qualified for European football perhaps the factor that could strike change this summer.