Bruno Guimaraes 'told Eddie Howe he wants to leave Newcastle' weeks before exit bombshell
Bruno Guimaraes informed Eddie Howe of his desire to leave Newcastle Unitede weeks ago, sources have told Football Insider.
The 28-year-old has made clear his desire to leave St James' Park this summer as he pursues a move to Arsenal, despite the clubs remaining apart in their valuations.
His decision is believed to have played a role in Howe's bombshell exit last week, as he opted to walk away from his position amid what has been a frustrating summer window.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Howe had a face-to-face meeting with Guimaraes in the USA where he was informed of the player's desire.
This came following the departures of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali, with a third major departure set to leave a gaping hole in the squad at St James' Park.
However, Guimaraes is now expected to move on, with Arsenal edging closer to a deal after the midfielder gave the green light to make the switch.
Why did Eddie Howe choose to leave Newcastle?
Football Insider revealed on 31 July that Howe had decided he wanted to leave Newcastle "a while ago", with a frustrating transfer window likely to have played a part.
After Guimaraes informed the boss of his intentions during the World Cup, it became clear that Howe was going to have a major job on his hands to get this team firing.
With the manager now having stepped down, the path appears to have cleared for Guimaraes to follow him away from the North East this summer.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "It's almost inevitable that Bruno Guimarães will end up leaving Newcastle.
"He has indicated to club that he would be interested in a move to Arsenal, and it is expected that the deal will go through at some stage.
"Bruno had a very good relationship with Eddie Howe. Eddie Howe met with him in America to see what his thoughts were on his future.
"He did tell him that he would like to move on and make that move to Arsenal if a deal can be agreed in that meeting, and that has since become clear.
"Now that Eddie Howe has left, if Arsenal do put up the money to sign Bruno Guimaraes, there's every indication the deal will get done.
"Arsenal are ready to push the button on it as well and I think Newcastle reluctantly will cash in on the Brazilian international."
What is the latest on Bruno Guimaraes' exit?
Following Howe's departure from Newcastle, it looks like a matter of time until Guimaraes follows him, with Arsenal stepping up their efforts to lure him away.
The Brazil international is due to arrive for pre-season training with the Magpies later today, but is expected to reiterate his desire to move on this summer.
Football Insider revealed on 2 August that Newcastle are now prepared to accept offers for Guimaraes, and work is being done behind the scenes to reach an agreement.
The 28-year-old has emerged as one of the top targets for Mikel Arteta's side, and they are now hopeful of completing a move before the start of the new season.
Newcastle have been holding out for a significant fee, with the Gunners keen to negotiate it lower, but a final fee of £75million is expected to get a deal over the line.